Illegal Appointment Case Reaches GAD As Dy Director HP&M Deptt Evades Action After Suspension

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended Naheed Jabeen, former In-Charge Deputy Director Horticulture (P&M), following allegations that she secured her appointment as Assistant Grading & Marketing Officer (AGMO) without meeting the required qualifications.
According to official documents, Jabeen was appointed as AGMO via Government Order No. 442-AGRI of 2000 on 17.11.2000, based on a selection by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC). However, complaints filed by Mohd. Yousuf Shah of Kakapora, Pulwama, and Ayaz Ahmad Natnoo, Deputy Director Horticulture (P&M), questioned her eligibility, citing that her Diploma in Marketing Management did not meet the prescribed qualification criteria. As per J&K Horticulture (P&M) Gazetted Service Recruitment Rules of 1981 and PSC Advertisement Notification No. 1-4-PSC of 1997, the AGMO post required a degree with Economics as one of the subjects, a Commerce degree with a Diploma in Agricultural Marketing, or a B.Sc. in Agriculture with a Diploma in Agricultural Marketing/Market Management. The inquiry, conducted by the Director of Horticulture (P&M), confirmed that Jabeen did not possess the necessary qualifications.
Inquiry Findings and Government Action: The inquiry in the matter was conducted by Director Horticulture (P&M) J&K, and the findings reveal that Naheed Jabeen does not possess the required qualification for the post of AGMO. The department finds that without the involvement of the candidate, the selection cannot take place in the PSC without having the requisite qualification. The officer has been placed under suspension vide G. O. No. 486-JK(APD) of 2024 dated 15.10.2024. It further noted that a selection by the PSC could not have taken place without the involvement of the candidate despite her lacking the requisite qualification. This raises concerns about possible procedural lapses or influence within the PSC at the time of her appointment. Following these findings, the Department of Horticulture (P&M) has now sought clarification from the General Administration Department regarding other possible instances where candidates without requisite qualifications were selected by the PSC. This clarification is required to process further action against Jabeen, including potential premature retirement or dismissal from service. Sources indicate that the government is considering stringent measures against Jabeen, given the gravity of the allegations. If it is established that she influenced the PSC selection process or provided false documents, she may face severe legal and administrative consequences. The case is being viewed as an exceptional instance of fraud and misconduct, warranting strict scrutiny. The authorities have stressed the need for an in-depth review of past recruitments to prevent similar irregularities in the future. If proven, this case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of qualification criteria and increased transparency in PSC selections. The investigation remains ongoing, with further actions expected based on the findings of the General Administration Department.