Petitioners challenge limited advertisement of Cluster Resource Coordinator posts for 2025–26 session, seek fresh recruitment process
A legal notice has been served to the School Education Department in Jammu and Kashmir over the non-advertisement of all vacant Cluster Resource Coordinator (CRC) posts. A group of candidates has alleged that the department reduced the number of advertised posts for the 2025–26 academic session and continued with previously engaged candidates. They have demanded a fair and fresh recruitment process.
Legal notice targets reduced CRC vacancies
The notice has been sent to the Commissioner Secretary of the School Education Department. It demands that all vacant CRC posts be advertised. The petitioners claim that only 164 posts were advertised for the 2025–26 session. They say this number is much lower than previous years.
They argue that the department did not provide equal opportunity to eligible candidates. They claim this decision has affected many aspirants who were preparing for these posts.
Previous recruitment cycles had higher posts
According to details mentioned in the notice, the department had advertised 748 CRC posts for the 2023–24 academic session. Candidates were selected based on merit and engaged for one year.
The same number of posts was again advertised in June 2024 for the 2024–25 session. This created an expectation among candidates that similar opportunities would continue.
However, for 2025–26, the number dropped sharply to 164. This sudden reduction has raised concerns among aspirants.
Allegations of unfair extension of existing candidates
The petitioners have alleged that instead of conducting fresh recruitment for all posts, the department extended the tenure of already engaged CRCs. They claim this move is arbitrary and not based on transparent rules.
They argue that such extensions go against the principles of fair recruitment. They also say it limits chances for new candidates to apply.
Highly qualified candidates say they lost opportunity
The notice highlights that many qualified candidates were unable to participate due to fewer advertised posts. Some of these candidates hold advanced degrees like PhD, NET, and SLET.
They claim that they were ready to compete but did not get the chance. The petitioners have called this situation discriminatory.
Demand for fresh advertisement for next session
The petitioners have asked the department not to extend the current CRC engagements beyond March 31, 2026. They want all posts to be advertised again for the 2026–27 academic session.
They have also demanded a transparent and merit-based selection process. Their focus is on equal opportunity for all eligible candidates.
Warning of legal action if no response
The legal notice clearly states that if the department does not take action within one week, the petitioners will approach a court of law. This could lead to further legal proceedings against the concerned authorities.
The situation may impact future recruitment policies in the education sector if the matter proceeds legally.
Key Highlights
- Legal notice served over CRC recruitment issue in J&K
- Only 164 posts advertised for 2025–26 session
- Earlier sessions had 748 posts each
- Allegations of unfair extension of existing candidates
- Qualified candidates claim they lost opportunity
- Fresh recruitment demanded for 2026–27 session
FAQs
The issue is that only a limited number of CRC posts were advertised for the 2025–26 session, reducing opportunities for candidates.
748 CRC posts were advertised in both 2023–24 and 2024–25 sessions.
They want all vacant posts to be advertised and a fair selection process for future sessions.
Many candidates have higher qualifications like PhD, NET, and SLET.
The petitioners have warned that they will take legal action in court.
Conclusion
The legal notice has raised serious concerns about recruitment transparency in the education sector, and further action will depend on the department’s response in the coming days.
