SKUAST-Kashmir’s ‘Cake-Cutting Culture’ Sparks Demand for Independent Probe

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Cake, according to a group of retired scientists, has become the most visible product of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).

The S&T Retired Forum says cake-cutting ceremonies have become almost a daily feature at the university, making its administration a “strong contender” for holding the highest number of such events.

The forum’s president, Dr. G.A. Wani, raised the issue in an open letter to the lieutenant governor, chief minister and agriculture minister.

The letter comes as the vice-chancellor’s extended tenure approaches its end and the university prepares to appoint a successor.

The retired scientists say their concerns are about the institution, not any individual. They want the government to judge SKUAST-K by the quality of its teaching, research and graduates rather than public celebrations and rankings.

One of their main concerns is whether the university has enough teachers to handle its growing student population. 

Enrollment has increased from around 2,100 to more than 6,000, while the university has roughly 400 teachers. 

The forum estimates that the student-teacher ratio may have worsened from 1:5 to 1:15.

It also points to classes with more than 100 students, raising concerns about the quality of practical training and the attention students receive from teachers.

The forum questions the university’s emphasis on improved rankings and argues that its academic performance should be judged through more concrete results. 

These include the number of graduates qualifying in Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB) examinations, PhD scholars securing research positions at ICAR institutes and other institutions, and technologies developed by the university that have helped farmers.

According to figures cited by the forum, only three SKUAST-K PhD graduates appeared in the ASRB selection process over five years, and two qualified as scientists.

The forum says these figures, if verified, raise questions about doctoral supervision, laboratory facilities and the overall standard of research.

It also points to the hundreds of agriculture PhD holders reportedly looking for jobs in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Against this backdrop, it questions the continued extensions and reappointments of retired employees. 

The letter also seeks details of the role, responsibilities and contribution of a retired director who continues to be associated with the university.

Recruitment is another major concern, as the forum refers to an allegation that more than 50 people appointed during the current administration come from Tral, the hometown of the incumbent vice-chancellor.

It makes clear that the claim has not been supported by documentary evidence. However, the forum says such allegations can damage public trust and calls on the university to publish selection criteria, merit lists and recruitment figures broken down by region and category.

The retired scientists have also questioned the recent selection of university directors. They allege that experienced and reputed scientists were overlooked in favour of candidates whose qualifications and experience raise questions.

They want an independent review of the selection process, including the criteria used, candidate assessments and marks awarded.

The university administration had not officially responded to the forum’s letter. When Kashmir Observer sought its comments, some officials declined to speak, while others said they were not authorised to address the media. A few indicated that the university might issue a statement on the proposed independent inquiry. No official response was available at the time of publication.

Meanwhile, the forum has welcomed the new facilities inaugurated by the lieutenant governor but questioned the publicity surrounding these events. It wonders whether the celebrations could amount to indirect campaigning, particularly at a time when the vice-chancellor’s post has been advertised.

To address its concerns, the forum has proposed an independent panel of agricultural scientists, academicians and outside experts to examine the university’s functioning. 

“The panel would review faculty strength, teaching standards, research output, patents, the impact of research on farmers, examination results, placements, recruitment, director appointments and the use of public funds,” the letter notes. 

The forum wants the findings made public, while keeping confidential service records protected.

Its seven demands include an independent audit before the appointment of the next vice-chancellor, merit-based recruitment and appointments, a review of extensions granted to retired staff and the selection of directors, better faculty strength and laboratory facilities, and a time-bound plan to support young scientists.

“The university belongs to the people of Jammu & Kashmir,” the letter says.

The retired scientists conclude with a pointed question about the university’s legacy: will SKUAST-K be remembered for the scientists it produced or the cakes it cut?

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