Srinagar, July 26, (KDC): In a surreal instance of administrative oversight, the Directorate of Skill Development, J&K, on Friday issued an order granting summer vacations across government and private polytechnic institutions—for a period that ended nearly a year ago.
The bizarre directive, Order No. 218 of 2025, dated July 25, 2025, and signed by Director Shahzad Alam, IAS, announces “All the Government/Recognized Private Polytechnics in JKUT shall observe 30 days summer vacation commenced from 21.07.2024 to 19.08.2024.”
Yes, 2024—not a typo in the story, but in the official communication.
The error has sparked widespread ridicule, confusion among students and faculty, and sharp criticism over what many are calling a textbook case of “cut-and-paste governance.” The fact that the order references a vacation period from the previous year has turned a routine administrative communication into a public embarrassment.
Even assuming the intent was to announce vacations for July–August 2025, the order remains flawed—being issued on July 25, it refers to vacations beginning July 21, four days earlier. This chronological absurdity indicates not just a typo, but a complete failure in proofreading and basic administrative due diligence.
Observers and education stakeholders say the blunder is more than a harmless oversight—it underscores a disturbing culture of bureaucratic lethargy. “If this is how they handle a vacation notice, imagine how they manage policy, funding, and procurement,” one educationist told KDC.
The responsibility lies squarely on the desk of Director Shahzad Alam, whose signature lends official weight to the circular. Notably, the order was copied to multiple senior officials, including the Secretary to the Government, Secretary JKBOTE, and all Polytechnic Principals, amplifying its reach and the embarrassment.
This “Back to the Future” fiasco now demands answers. How did such an error pass multiple desks? Will anyone be held accountable? And what safeguards will be put in place to prevent such administrative gaffes from recurring?
