Srinagar, Nov 21 (KNS): There has been a wave of concern over the age relaxation policy for various government job aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPS). C) And in the light of recent job advertisements of Jammu. and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB). Applicants from various categories, including general category candidates, are demanding immediate age relaxation, especially as many important government posts have not been advertised for years.

The demand for age relaxation has become increasingly urgent, as job posts for positions such as assistant professors and lecturers have been scarce for nearly seven years. As a result, many young candidates who were once eligible for these posts have now crossed the upper age limit. Both government officials and leaders of political parties, including the National Conference (NC), have been urged to take immediate action to resolve the issue.

Speaking on the matter, a senior government official said, “We are aware of the difficulties many applicants are facing due to lack of job advertisements in the last few years. Actively considering actions to address concerns.

On the other hand, NC officials have also joined the discussion, stressing 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 about giving everyone an equal opportunity to serve the state,” a National Conference spokesman said. said

The issue of reservation, especially for the unreserved (OM) category, has also sparked significant debate. Despite the fact that the vulnerable population in Jammu and Kashmir is a whopping 69 percent, recent data shows that they are getting only 41 percent of the opportunities available. This has raised questions on 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, which constitutes only 12% of the total seats. Worse still, some Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) admit almost no OM students. For example, GMC Udhampur reported zero admissions for OM students, GMC Doda only two and GMC Handwara only three.Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel.Cut-off marks for OM students in some GMCs have also been significantly higher — 681 for GMC Srinagar, 649 for Handwara, and 648 for Rajouri — which is about access to education for underserved category students. Raise concerns.

The situation is similarly troubling in the recent JK Police recruitment drive, which offered 4,002 posts but only 1,700 posts were allotted 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 government employment is governed by various provisions of the Indian Constitution, including:

Article 16(4): Provides for reservation in government employment for backward classes. Article 16(4A). Introduced in 1995, it allows reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Article 15(4) added in 1951, allows for special provisions for the development 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 protected or unprotected, faces unfair disadvantages.

Experts agree that while reservation is necessary for the development of backward classes, it should not come at the cost of justice for the unreserved classes. With growing concerns from both job seekers and academic aspirants, the call for a balanced approach has never been more urgent. Political leaders, including Agia Sab and members of the National Conference, have emphasized the importance of reviewing and revising reservation policies to ensure that they are both inclusive and fair.

As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with these complex issues, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by various groups, particularly on age relaxation and equitable distribution of education and employment opportunities. i (KNS)