Anantnag/Jammu | December 18, 2025 — Hundreds of Diploma in Horticulture holders from Jammu and Kashmir have sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar over a reported decision by SKUAST-Jammu denying recognition to the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture.
The aggrieved students said SKUAST-Jammu, through a communication dated April 9, 2025, declared the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture invalid, allegedly misinterpreting the University Grants Commission (UGC) Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Regulations, 2020. They contended that the decision was taken despite clear clarifications from statutory authorities.
According to the students, the UGC, in a clarification issued on November 11, 2025, categorically stated that the Diploma in Horticulture offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is exempted under the UGC (ODL) Regulations, 2020 and is a valid and recognised qualification. IGNOU authorities, they added, have also officially confirmed the national validity and recognition of the diploma.
The diploma holders alleged that despite these clarifications, SKUAST-Jammu has continued to deny recognition, which they described as illegal and in violation of statutory regulations. They said the move discriminates against students who pursued education from IGNOU, a Central University established by an Act of Parliament.
The students expressed concern that several posts and admissions across departments are being advertised on the basis of a Diploma in Horticulture, but IGNOU diploma holders are being excluded. They said the decision has adversely impacted the career prospects of hundreds of students and in-service employees, affecting promotions, recruitment and opportunities for higher education.
Terming the action of SKUAST-Jammu as unconstitutional and against the principles of educational justice, the diploma holders appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister and the Minister for Agriculture Production to personally intervene in the matter.
They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the communication dated April 9, 2025, issuance of clear directions for recognition of the IGNOU Diploma in Horticulture across Jammu and Kashmir, and strict compliance with UGC guidelines by all universities and government departments.
The students said they have faith in the constitutional authorities and expressed hope that timely intervention would safeguard the legitimate rights of diploma holders in the Union Territory.
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