NEP 2020 implementation spurs call to enhance retirement age of University faculty: Sakina Itoo

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-19 21:39:43 |

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KS News Desk

Srinagar, March 19: The J&K government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that challenge of NEP 2020, being across all the educational institutions including universities provides a "big reason" to retain capable and experienced faculty by enhancing the age of superannuation in the universities.

Replying to a question asked by MLA Dr. Narinder Singh, minister for higher education Sakina Itoo informed the House that the senior professors in Universities are involved in multifarious research at universities of National and international levels and their continuation shall be helpful in the supervision of research and projects in churning out the best talent in the university system to cater to the needs of the society as required under NEP 2020.

"The challenge of NEP 2020, being across all the educational institutions including universities provides a big reason for retaining capable and experienced faculty by enhancing the age of superannuation in the universities," she informed the House.

The minister informed the Legislative Assembly that the age of superannuation for University Professors was being extended by a Review Committee headed by the Chief Secretary as its chairman.

The Committee comprises Vice-Chancellor of the concerned University and Administrative Secretary Higher Education Department, she said.

"The Committee may co-opt a member from the Finance, Law Department and Special Secretary or Additional Secretary from HED," she informed the House.

The minister said the Review Committee has decided to approve the extension of the eligible superannuating Professors for three years from 62 to 65 years.

The education minister however informed the House that on completion of each year, the concerned Vice Chancellor shall review the performance in each case subject to the minimum benchmark relating to Research Publications, Classroom Teaching, Academic Contribution and overall work and conduct of the concerned in the preceding year.

"Continuation of such Professors shall be subject to attaining such minimum benchmark. The method has been meticulously structured to prevent any favoritism or a pick and choose approach," she told the House.

The minister said that each case was scrutinized in light of the laid down parameters including general conduct and behaviour in terms of integrity, reinforcing the credibility of the mechanism, leaving no scope for arbitrary decision-making.

She further informed the House that enhancement of superannuation age of University Professors was structured, meticulously designed to ensure that extensions are granted solely on the basis of merit, eligibility criteria and compliance with the established parameters.

"The mechanism is not intended to foster a culture of sycophancy but rather to uphold the highest academic and ethical standards in the selection process," she said.