Turmoil Erupts in J&K Assembly Over Alleged Education Department Bias

A heated dispute erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly as BJP MLA Shakti Parihar accused the education department of regional bias. Despite allegations, Education Minister Sakina Ittoo denied any discrimination, citing figures of appointments in both Jammu and Kashmir, and clarified ongoing departmental procedures.

A heated exchange erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday after Shakti Parihar, BJP MLA from Doda West, accused the education department of regional discrimination in their transfer policies.

Parihar contended that while transfers were implemented in Kashmir, Jammu was overlooked, sparking a ruckus among assembly members. However, Education Minister Sakina Ittoo countered the allegations, claiming the BJP frequently cries discrimination. She highlighted recruitment figures with 350 appointments in Kashmir and 860 in Jammu as evidence of fairness.

Ittoo further explained that ongoing departmental procedures have been temporarily halted due to objections and clarified that previous recruitment bans nearly incapacitated the education department until Chief Minister Omar Abdullah authorized the thawing of 50% frozen posts. After the heated discussion, normal assembly proceedings resumed.

(With inputs from agencies.)