Jammu 28 April(KNB): The appointment of Nuzhat Gull as Secretary J&K Sports Council (JKSC) has been challenged in court saying she is not qualified for the post and her posting is illegal. The appointment has been challenged by Prof Ashutosh Sharma.
“I have challenged the qualification eligibility to hold the post of Secretary JKSC,” said Prof Sharma who is a president of the J&K Olympic Association (JKOA) and a veteran sports administrator in the Union Territory.
“The lady claims that she cancels our registration, how can she. We are an autonomous body, don’t take a penny from the department, and have no need for it. She has no understanding of the law, neither knows an ounce about sports?” Sharma told KNB.
A petition has been filed with the J&K High Court (JKHC) seeking the removal of Gull from the top post of the autonomous sports body in J&K.
Government of J&K party, through Commissioner Secretary General Administrator Department (GAD), in addition to Nuzhat Gull, the Secretary JKSC has been made a party in the plea dated April 4.
“As per rule 6 of the constitution of JKSC, the qualification for holding the post of Secretary is on deputation basis of the rank of Special Secretary to the Government. The present Secretary JKSC, Nuzhat Gull is not Special Secretary to the Government and as such is ineligible to hold the said post,” Prof told KNB.
According to Sharma the court has admitted the plea and issued notice to Government and the Secretary JKSC as well.
“The JKHC has issued notice to Ms Nuzhat Gull, and also to the Commissioner Secretary GAD as also the Principal Secretary Youth Services, J&K to submit their objections by May 31, informed Prof Sharma.
Prof Sharma claimed that while sportsperson dream of the Olympics, ‘Nuzhat is blocking official presence in Olympic associations programs’.
“How does she claim to serve the sports. This attitude is damaging to the premier institute while she is incapable and not qualified for such a post,” Prof Sharma said, adding, that she has made the department a cruel joke for sportspersons.
Sharma raised questions on the working of the department under Nuzhat seeking answers as to why there is no General sports council and standing committee.
“General council must have 29 members from different fields and Lt Governor, according to rules, is the chairman of it. It is non-existent. Also, why has 11 member standing committee, these things raise many questions about the working of the department and as to why these things have not been done,” Prof Sharma rued.(KNB)