Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Sunday rejected allegations related to recruitments and outsourcing in government departments, asserting that any inquiry into the issue should examine appointments made over the past decade rather than focusing solely on recent decisions.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of International Yoga Day celebrations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, Itoo responded to criticism from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding recruitment practices.
The minister said that if the opposition is demanding an investigation into current recruitment processes, it should also seek a comprehensive review of appointments made during the last ten years.
Addressing the allegations, Itoo stated that the present administration has nothing to conceal and is willing to face any form of scrutiny. According to her, transparency and accountability remain central to the functioning of the government.
“If there is a demand for a probe into recruitments, then the investigation should cover all recruitments carried out over the last decade,” she said while interacting with the media.
The minister also responded to concerns raised over outsourcing policies. She clarified that the outsourcing system was not introduced by the current government and had been in place prior to the present administration assuming office.
Itoo maintained that it would be incorrect to hold the current government responsible for policies and administrative mechanisms initiated earlier. She reiterated that the administration remains open to any investigation aimed at establishing facts.
Her remarks come amid an ongoing political debate surrounding recruitment procedures and outsourcing arrangements in various departments across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Education Minister stressed that the government is committed to ensuring fairness in recruitment and maintaining transparency in administrative processes. She said efforts are being made to uphold accountability and strengthen public confidence in governance.
The controversy has emerged against the backdrop of criticism from the PDP, which has accused the government of failing to adequately address employment concerns among educated youth in the Union Territory.
The opposition party has also questioned the role of external agencies involved in preparing examination papers for recruitment tests. The PDP has alleged that the use of such agencies has raised concerns regarding the credibility of examinations, claiming that question paper leaks have affected confidence in the recruitment process.
Itoo, however, rejected the allegations directed at the government and insisted that the administration remains committed to transparent governance.
The minister’s comments add a new dimension to the ongoing political discussion on recruitment policies, employment opportunities and administrative reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue continues to generate debate between the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and opposition parties, particularly the PDP.
As political exchanges continue, the government has maintained that it is prepared to cooperate with any inquiry and remains focused on ensuring transparency in public administration.
