The Jammu and Kashmir government refuted claims made by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, regarding backdoor appointments. Senior ruling National Conference (NC) leaders, including Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, and advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, addressed a joint press conference to address the controversy. They emphasized that all government department appointments are based on merit and established recruitment procedures.
Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo criticized Mehbooba Mufti’s comments on outsourcing, stating, “I feel pity for her intelligence.” She highlighted that jobs are filled through proper channels and not outsourcing as claimed by Mufti. Itoo expressed disappointment that Mufti, despite her previous high position, lacks understanding of the recruitment process.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, defended the government’s recruitment process, asserting its transparency and merit-based nature. He clarified that all recruitments follow legal procedures to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for eligible candidates. Wani also mentioned that the outsourcing system in place is a legacy inherited from the previous government.
Minister Itoo clarified that outsourcing is not equivalent to permanent government recruitment but serves temporary operational needs. She explained that outsourcing under schemes like Samagra Shiksha and Mission Vatsalya (ICPS) is not regular government employment. The government reiterated its commitment to transparent, accountable, and merit-based recruitment, assuring the public of adherence to legal frameworks and fair recruitment practices.
