Ganderbal, Oct 21: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday visited the Faculty of Forestry at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Benhama, Ganderbal, and urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to amend the proposed recruitment rules for the post of Forester.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal,Mufti questioned the eligibility criteria, arguing that forestry positions require specialised academic qualifications and knowledge of ecology, biodiversity and forest conservation.
Students of the Faculty of Forestry have been holding a peaceful protest for the past month against the proposed recruitment rules, which they say undermine the relevance of their specialised degree.
“Just as an MBBS degree is required to become a doctor and an engineering degree to become an engineer, why should a forestry degree not be given due importance for forestry positions?” Mufti asked.
She said forestry students study around 80 subjects over four years and questioned the rationale behind allowing candidates without a forestry background to compete for the posts.
Referring to deforestation and environmental degradation in Kashmir, Mufti stressed that specialised expertise was essential to protecting forests and biodiversity.
She appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Forest Minister Javed Rana to review the proposed rules and take immediate corrective measures, saying the students were seeking fair employment opportunities rather than favours.
Mufti also expressed concern over reports that protesting students had been asked to vacate their hostel accommodation, warning that she would join them in protest if they were forced to leave.
“Merit is being criminalised,” she said, urging the government to address the students’ concerns and safeguard their academic and professional future.
