Srinagar, Nov 21 (KNS):A wave of concerns has emerged in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the age relaxation policy for various government job aspirants, particularly in light of recent job advertisements by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB). Applicants from different categories, including general category candidates, are calling for immediate age relaxation, especially since many key government positions have not been advertised in years.
The demand for age relaxation has become increasingly urgent, as job posts for positions like Assistant Professors and Lecturers have been scarce for nearly seven years. As a result, many young aspirants who were once eligible for these positions have now crossed the upper age limit. Both government officials and leaders from political parties, including the National Conference (NC), have been urged to take immediate action to address this issue.
A senior government official, spoke on the matter, saying, “We are aware of the difficulties many applicants face due to the lack of job advertisements over the past few years. We are actively considering measures to address age relaxation concerns.”
On the other hand, NC officials have also joined the conversation, emphasizing the need for an equitable solution. “A fair policy that balances the interests of all groups is essential. Age relaxation is not just about fairness—it is a matter of giving everyone an equal opportunity to serve the state,” said a spokesperson from the National Conference.
The issue of reservation, particularly for the unreserved (OM) category, has also sparked significant debate. Despite the fact that the unreserved population in Jammu and Kashmir stands at a substantial 69%, recent figures show that they are getting only 41% of available opportunities. This has raised questions about the distribution of seats in both educational institutions and government jobs.
In the 2024 NEET exam, out of 1,007 medical seats in Jammu and Kashmir, only 124 were allotted to OM students, making up just about 12% of the total seats. Worse, some government medical colleges (GMCs) reported almost no OM students being admitted. For example, GMC Udhampur reported zero admissions for OM students, GMC Doda admitted only two, and GMC Handwara just three.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe cut-off marks for OM students in some GMCs have also been significantly high—681 for GMC Srinagar, 649 for Handwara, and 648 for Rajouri—raising concerns about access to education for non-reserved category students.
The situation is similarly problematic in the recent JK Police recruitment drive, which offered 4,002 posts but only allocated around 1,700 positions to OM candidates. Many believe this pattern reflects systemic inequalities that need to be addressed to ensure fair opportunities for all.
The issue of reservation in public employment is governed by various provisions in the Indian Constitution, including:
Article 16(4): Provides for reservation in public employment for backward classes. Article 16(4A). Introduced in 1995, it allows for reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Article 15(4) Added in 1951, it allows for special provisions for the advancement of backward classes. Article 15(5)**: Enacted in 2006, it allows reservation in private educational institutions for backward, SC, and ST classes.
However, critics argue that the implementation of these provisions should ensure that no group—whether reserved or unreserved—faces unfair disadvantages.
Experts agree that while reservation is necessary for the upliftment of backward classes, it should not come at the expense of fairness for non-reserved categories. With mounting concerns from both job seekers and educational aspirants, the call for a balanced approach has never been more urgent. Political leaders, including Agya Sab and members of the National Conference, have emphasized the importance of reviewing and revising the reservation policies to ensure that they are both inclusive and fair.
As Jammu and Kashmir navigates these complex issues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by various groups, especially in terms of age relaxation and equitable distribution of opportunities in education and employment. (KNS)