Jammu, March 19: The extension of superannuation age for university professors in Jammu and Kashmir is determined solely on merit and eligibility, Minister for Higher Education Sakeena Itoo informed the House.
The decision is made by a Review Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary.
Responding to a question from Dr Narinder Singh Raina in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said that the committee includes the Vice-Chancellor of the concerned university and the Administrative Secretary of the Higher Education Department, JK.
Additional members from the Finance or Law Department and the Higher Education Department may be co-opted as needed.
The committee has approved a three-year extension for eligible professors, raising the retirement age from 62 to 65 years. However, performance will be reviewed annually based on research publications, classroom teaching, academic contributions, and overall conduct. Continuation will depend on meeting the set benchmarks. Itoo emphasised that the process is structured to prevent favoritism and ensure fairness, with each case evaluated based on predefined parameters, including integrity and conduct.
She affirmed that the mechanism upholds academic and ethical standards without allowing arbitrary decisions or preferential treatment. She further said that Jammu and Kashmir has fully implemented the National Education Policy 2020.
|