Most of staff members have withdrawn their signatures, says Principal
Srinagar, Apr 12: The teaching fraternity of Degree College Sumbal, Kashmir, has been thrown into disarray after the college Principal refused to hold fresh elections for the post of staff secretary—a move that a majority of assistant professors deem detrimental to the institution’s growth and transparency.
Documents reveal that the college has a total of 22 professors, more than 15 of Whom submitted a written representation to the principal. They argued that the tenure of the staff secretary—a position mandated to address staff grievances—has expired and that fresh elections must be held.
Rather than addressing their concerns in accordance with established procedures, the principal reportedly mocked the staff, questioning the IQ of the college professors.
“In reference to the representation submitted to my office , it did not take me much time to revert to my 16 learned faculty members. I fail to understand the IQ level of my faculty who have put their signatures on the representation,” the principal’s letter stated, adding, “For me, the staff secretary remains in position till April 2026.”
Reports indicate that the incumbent staff secretary has also demanded an explanation from faculty members who sought fresh elections. A message circulated among the staff reads: “The principal has stated that no fresh elections will be held. If any staff member requires clarification, she/he/they may directly speak to the principal.”
Meanwhile, permanent faculty members argue that such actions undermine institutional transparency and reflect autocratic tendencies that could harm academic standards.
“As per the rules, elections for the staff secretary post can be held if a majority of the faculty is dissatisfied with the incumbent’s performance. Here, 90% of the staff has submitted a signed representation demanding fresh elections for the college’s smooth functioning. Instead of addressing this, the principal has questioned the IQ of senior professors and even threatened to deny them access to staff rooms for lecture preparation. This is alarming for Jammu and Kashmir’s teaching community. Even Primary schools have a transparent functioning. Here we create graduates for God sake. Is this College or an Anganwadi centre?,” sources privy to the development divulged.
When contacted, the Principal GDC Sumbal said that the issue has now been resolved as majority of the staff that had earlier signed the representation have taken their signatures back. “Most of the staff members came to my office today and withdrew their signatures. The issue is now resolved,” claimed the Principal.
