SRINAGAR: In a significant move aimed at bolstering the recruitment process and addressing grievances of aspiring candidates, the Jammu and Kashmir Government, under the leadership of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, has reinstated the provision of waiting lists for recruitment in government departments.
The decision, made during a crucial meeting of the UT Administrative Council (AC), marks a reversal of the government’s earlier stance and underscores a commitment to ensuring fairness and efficiency in the recruitment process. The Administrative Council approved the reconsideration of previous decisions dated September 7, 2023, and reinstated enabling provisions for the formulation of wait lists in recruitment to public services across government departments.
Key amendments made to various rules and regulations, including the JK Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment Rules, 2010, and the JK Combined Competitive Examination Rules, 2018, were withdrawn, signalling a comprehensive restoration of the recruitment framework.
Besides, the Administrative Council granted a one-time exemption to recruiting agencies, allowing them to draw up wait lists within six months for select lists issued since the earlier decision. This exemption is contingent upon adherence to specific conditions, including the validity period of select lists and non-re-advertisement of resultant vacancies due to non-joining of selected candidates.
The decision to reinstate waiting lists is poised to address long-standing concerns regarding the timely filling of vacancies in various government departments. It is anticipated to streamline the recruitment process, mitigate delays in vacancy referrals, and reduce the time consumed in subsequent selections, ultimately benefiting both candidates and administrative efficiency.
The decision comes in the wake of widespread discontent following the government’s previous move to abolish waiting lists for recruitment. Last year’s decision, which eliminated the provision for preparing waiting lists, elicited strong resentment from various youth and student organizations, prompting protests and demands for reinstatement.
Sources reveal that the absence of waiting lists had adverse effects on numerous candidates, particularly those awaiting placement in departments where vacancies remained unfilled. With today’s decision, these candidates have been provided much-needed relief, ensuring fairness and opportunities for all aspiring civil servants in the region.
