SRINAGAR, June 21: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday strongly defended the government’s position amid criticism over recruitment and outsourcing policies, asserting that any inquiry into hiring processes should cover appointments made during the past decade rather than focusing solely on recent recruitments.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of International Yoga Day celebrations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the minister said the government has no objection to an impartial investigation and remains committed to maintaining transparency in public administration.
Responding to demands raised by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) regarding recruitment practices, Itoo questioned the selective focus on recent appointments and argued that a comprehensive review would provide a clearer picture of hiring procedures followed over the years.
“If there is a demand for an investigation into recruitments, then all appointments made during the last ten years should be brought under its ambit,” the minister said, emphasizing that accountability should not be confined to a specific period.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing political debate in Jammu and Kashmir over recruitment procedures, outsourcing arrangements, and allegations concerning administrative decisions in various government departments.
Addressing concerns related to outsourcing, Itoo rejected claims that the current administration had introduced the system. She maintained that outsourcing mechanisms were already in operation before the present government assumed office and therefore could not be attributed solely to the current dispensation.
The minister stated that several policies being questioned today were initiated during previous administrations and should be viewed within a broader administrative context. According to her, criticism directed at the present government overlooks the historical evolution of such practices.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to openness, Itoo said there was nothing to conceal and reiterated that the government would cooperate fully with any inquiry conducted in accordance with legal and institutional procedures.
She noted that transparency and accountability remain central to the government’s functioning and that public confidence can only be strengthened through fair and impartial processes. The minister asserted that the administration is prepared to face scrutiny and answer any questions regarding its decisions.
The debate over recruitment policies has gained political attention in recent weeks, with opposition parties raising concerns about hiring procedures in different departments. Government representatives, however, have maintained that recruitment exercises are conducted according to established rules and regulations.
Itoo said efforts are being made to ensure that administrative processes remain fair, merit-based, and transparent. She stressed that the government is focused on strengthening institutions and improving governance standards while ensuring equal opportunities for eligible candidates.
Political observers believe the issue is likely to remain a subject of discussion in the coming weeks as different parties continue to exchange views on governance, employment opportunities, and administrative reforms. Recruitment remains a sensitive matter in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among educated youth seeking government employment.
The minister’s remarks reflect the government’s attempt to counter allegations while projecting confidence in its administrative record. By calling for a broader investigation covering multiple years, she sought to shift the debate toward a more comprehensive examination of recruitment practices across different governments.
As discussions continue, the administration has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, insisting that all decisions are taken in accordance with established procedures and in the public interest. The government maintains that any review of recruitment practices should be impartial, objective, and encompass the entire period under question rather than focusing on a limited timeframe.
With political parties sharpening their positions on the issue, the recruitment debate is expected to remain a prominent topic in Jammu and Kashmir’s political discourse, particularly as questions surrounding employment and governance continue to resonate among the public.