The National Conference-led Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday categorically rejected allegations of backdoor appointments leveled by the Peoples Democratic Party, defending its outsourcing policy as a temporary administrative arrangement and accusing the PDP of engaging in similar malpractices during its own tenure.
Government Defends Transparency and Outsourcing Policy
Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar, along with Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani, addressed a press conference in Srinagar following weeks of repeated allegations by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, her daughter Iltija Mufti, and other party leaders regarding purported backdoor appointments and outsourcing of jobs in government departments.
Wani stated that the chief minister directed the clarification after sustained misinformation was spread against the government. “Since the NC formed the government in 2024, it has adopted the most transparent recruitment process. All jobs are being filled in a transparent manner, unlike previous regimes when allegations of irregularities in recruitment were common,” he said.
Wani further explained that outsourcing of jobs began before the NC government assumed office. “We did not start this outsourcing process. We inherited it, just as we inherited the fallout of the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state,” he added.
Challenge to Opposition and Clarification on Recruitment
Wani challenged the opposition to produce evidence of even a single backdoor appointment made by the present government, directly rebutting the PDP's claims.
Sakina Itoo clarified that outsourcing is only a temporary administrative arrangement and not a substitute for regular recruitment. “Outsourcing is meant only to meet additional workload,” she said. She emphasized that outsourced personnel are not replacing sanctioned posts in government departments. “These are short-term arrangements. Outsourced workers are in addition to the sanctioned strength in any department,” she added.
Javid Dar confirmed that multiple regular vacancies from different departments have already been referred to recruitment agencies this year, underscoring the government's commitment to transparent hiring.
Response to Allegations Regarding Relative's Appointment
Addressing allegations about the appointment of one of his relatives in a university, Dar stated that universities are autonomous institutions with their own recruitment mechanisms. “If my relative becomes an IAS officer, does that mean I helped him secure the job? Such allegations are unfair and should not be made,” he said, dismissing the insinuation of impropriety.
