Dr. Vikas Bhandari
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
The recent instruction from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to the administration to prohibit re-employment, tenure extensions, additional responsibilities, and attachments—except in extraordinary circumstances—has been met with widespread approval. This forward-thinking measure is perceived as a means to create opportunities for younger professionals and to decrease the concentration of power among bureaucrats who have overstayed their welcome. The initiative is anticipated to rejuvenate governance and instill increased dynamism within the administrative framework of the region.
Nevertheless, while the move to limit re-employment is commendable, a more pressing issue persists: the decision to raise the retirement age for university professors from 62 to 65, made by the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Dubbed an extension of “academic excellence,” this decision transcends mere bureaucracy, fundamentally impacting the academic environment and the future of higher education in the region.
The practice of extending retirement age for professors is not unprecedented in Jammu and Kashmir; it has long been embedded in the regional academic culture. However, what raises concern about this particular decision is its seemingly selective nature. The extension is not based on objective, transparent criteria but rather on the nebulous claim of “academic excellence”—a vague and highly subjective standard. Critics contend that this is a politically motivated action, serving a select group of individuals already entrenched in positions of power and influence in academia. Such moves, cloaked in merit, bolster a system of patronage that stifles genuine academic progress, allowing political elites to maintain control while qualified younger candidates remain marginalized.
A crucial factor to consider is the implications of these extensions on the mindset of professors, who serve as intellectual architects of society. Often regarded as the “lens creators” of society, professors shape the worldview of the next generation and contribute to humanity’s collective knowledge. By prolonging their tenure under the guise of “merit,” the system cultivates a mindset that prioritizes seniority over innovation, political loyalty over fresh ideas, and experience over new perspectives.
Philosophically, the concept of “mercy” in the form of extensions is highly problematic. It transcends a simple administrative decision; it carries psychological implications that shift the mentality of those professors granted these extensions. Instead of being driven by a desire for further academic contribution, such an extension may foster a sense of entitlement. Professors who have already made significant contributions to their fields may begin to view their positions as permanent rather than temporary, diminishing their motivation to innovate or mentor younger academic talents. The notion of being “granted mercy” to continue working implies a view of their role as one of entitlement rather than service, fundamentally altering the perception of academia as a dynamic platform for evolving intellectual inquiry.
Moreover, as a select group of professors occupies pivotal university positions longer, they often become entrenched in the system, resisting change and becoming less receptive to the ideas of younger scholars. Instead of fostering an environment conducive to nurturing new talent, their extended presence can create a closed ecosystem, limiting opportunities for fresh ideas. The message to young scholars is unmistakable: regardless of their qualifications or capabilities, their academic prospects will always be secondary to those with seniority and political connections. This erodes the foundational principles of meritocracy and intellectual growth.
Additionally, this practice disproportionately affects the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom are well-educated yet face unemployment. With limited capacity for university intake and senior professors clinging to their roles, qualified young individuals increasingly find themselves excluded from the academic arena. This not only stifles the ambitions of many but also hinders the academic community from evolving and responding to new challenges.
While Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s ban on re-employment is a positive step forward, the issue of raising the retirement age for professors remains a pivotal concern. We urge Chief Minister Abdullah, as the head of the elected government, to thoroughly examine this matter. The government must prioritize fostering a meritocratic academic environment where new ideas and fresh perspectives are esteemed above political loyalty and seniority. It is imperative to cultivate a system where young scholars are not sidelined but are empowered to contribute meaningfully to the academic landscape. This is not simply an employment issue; it signifies a broader concern for intellectual and societal advancement.
[The authors are Assistant Professor (Political Science) at UILS, Chandigarh University; Assistant Professor (Sociology) at UILS, Chandigarh University.]
