Srinagar, Nov 1 (GNS): The Agriculture Graduates Association of Jammu & Kashmir (AGA-JK) on Sunday said it has temporarily suspended its peaceful protest after receiving assurances from Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar.
In a handout to GNS, a spokesman for Agriculture graduates said that a delegation of the Association led by Dr Zakir Amin met the Minister in presence of Director Agriculture Kashmir and other officials to discuss long-pending demands of unemployed agriculture graduates.
The delegation flagged that there has been no substantial direct recruitment in the Agriculture Department since 2005 and submitted a memorandum seeking structural reforms and employment avenues.
According to the Association, the Minister acknowledged the injustice faced by agriculture graduates in the JAEO cadre and agreed to pursue merger of AEA and JAEO cadres with creation of JAEO posts at block level while retaining existing posts. He assured the delegation that the matter will be taken up with the Chief Minister.
On direct recruitment and promotion ratio, the Minister informed that 50:50 ratio in gazetted cadre has already been proposed and approved and assured that it will be pursued further after formalities including framing of TOBR.
The Minister also assured that pending court cases hampering recruitment will be taken up with the Law Department and other competent authorities. He stressed on permanent reforms in service rules instead of temporary measures, stating the process may take six months to one year.
In view of the assurances, AGA-JK said it has decided to suspend its ongoing peaceful protest temporarily.
The Association said the decision is based on the Minister’s assurances and will remain in effect while awaiting concrete progress.
AGA-JK said it is seeking fair opportunities, recognition of qualifications, transparent recruitment and justice for long-standing concerns and will remain in regular contact with the Minister’s office to follow up.
It said it remains hopeful of a positive and permanent resolution but reserves its future course of action depending on the progress made.(GNS)
