Cluster University’s shocker: Job aspirants to fund for expert panel’s visit
Srinagar: Believe it or not, the Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) has started generating revenue from applicants to finance the expert committee’s visit to the state.
On October 5 the University advertised one post for Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the University and as per the notification, the aspirants have been asked to submit an amount of Rs 1500 as fee.
The move has agitated the aspirants who say the fee charged by the University authority was not affordable by all.
“There is only one post advertised by University and each aspirant has to pay Rs 1500 which is simply a jackpot for them,” said a group of aspirants.
Interestingly, as per the notification, Rs 1500 in the shape of bank-draft has to be submitted in favour of the registrar, Cluster University Srinagar and “is payable at Srinagar, should reach the office of the assistant registrar Cluster University Srinagar by or before November 6, 2017 up to 4 PM.”
“Application fee once deposited shall be non-refundable,” it reads.
The officials in the university however, said the reason behind charging this amount was to meet the requirements of the selection process.
“We have to invite an expert team from outside the state. The aspirants have to bear the cost partly,” said vice Chancellor of cluster University Prof Sheikh Javaid.
He said the post was permanent and its grade is equivalent to the grade of an assistant professor.
“It is permanent post and the fee charged by our university is same as that of charged by other universities,” he said.
The aspirants however, castigated the varsity administration for charging huge amount of fee from candidates for just one post saying that the institutions are generating revenue under the garb of providing employment opportunities.
“Given the rate of unemployment in the region, the government should have subsidized any such rates for the aspirants, but it is unfortunate that they are using these job opportunities to generate revenue,” aspirants said.
They alleged that it was the handiwork of bureaucrats who want to keep the poor candidates away from such jobs.
“Any jobless youth cannot afford this amount for applying for the post,” the aspirants said.
As per the notification published by the university, the candidates having ‘at least’ five years experience as a journalist with any reputed organization will be eligible for the post.
The vice chancellor however said they will refund the fee of unemployed candidates.
“We will have a meeting and will discuss over the issue. We will refund the fee of unemployed candidates,” he said.
The candidates meanwhile, appealed minister for education for his personal intervention to address the issue.
KV Correspondent
