Srinagar : A group of SATC-qualified Junior Assistants in the Jammu and Kashmir Law Department has alleged serious irregularities in the department’s recent Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) proceedings, claiming that non-SATC qualified officials have been recommended for promotion to the post of Senior Assistant in violation of existing service rules.
The employees have urged the authorities to quash the DPC recommendations, alleging that the move contravenes the provisions of SRO 272 of 2008 and SO 205 of 2021, under which the Secretariat Assistant Training Course (SATC) qualification is stated to be a mandatory requirement for promotion from Junior Assistant to Senior Assistant.
According to the aggrieved employees, the General Administration Department (GAD), which serves as the cadre-controlling authority, as well as other government departments, have consistently adhered to the requirement of SATC qualification while considering promotions. They contend that the Law Department’s alleged decision to recommend non-qualified candidates amounts to discrimination and departure from established norms.
The employees further claimed that several SATC-qualified Junior Assistants, who have completed nearly a decade of service in the department, continue to await promotion despite the availability of vacant Senior Assistant posts. They alleged that while Annual Performance Reports (APRs) and vigilance clearances were sought from eligible officials, ineligible candidates were allegedly recommended for promotion.
In a representation submitted to the authorities, the employees have demanded immediate cancellation of the DPC minutes recommending non-SATC qualified candidates, consideration of eligible SATC-qualified Junior Assistants against available vacancies, uniform implementation of SRO 272/2008 across all departments, and fixation of responsibility on officials allegedly involved in processing the recommendations.
The employees have appealed to the Chief Secretary, General Administration Department and Finance Department to intervene in the matter. They have also warned that if the recommendations are not reviewed, they may approach the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) seeking legal redress.
