SRINAGAR: A heated exchange unfolded between the ruling National Conference (NC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged recruitment scams in Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders from both sides accusing each other of fostering irregularities in recruitment processes.
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the government for discrepancies in recruitment exams, including those for telecommunications and photographer positions.
“The JKSSB has conducted two recruitment exams, and discrepancies are evident as candidates who performed poorly in earlier J&K Police Constable examinations have now topped the recent ones,” Iltija alleged. She questioned the transparency of the exams and accused the government of failing to uphold accountability.
Iltija further claimed irregularities in all recruitment exams since 2019, alleging a nexus between power players and exam-conducting agencies like Aptech. “This government, which rose to power on lofty promises, has conveniently distanced itself from any accountability,” she remarked.
Responding to the allegations, NC spokesperson Ifra Jan hit back, accusing the PDP of being responsible for J&K’s largest recruitment scam in J&K Bank. “Iltija Mufti belongs to the party that orchestrated the biggest recruitment scam. We are answerable to the people of J&K, not the PDP,” she said.
Ifra also deflected criticism of the current exams to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration. “Instead of pointing fingers at the NC, Iltija should direct her questions to the BJP and LG administration, who conducted these exams,” she added.
She further criticised the PDP for undermining the fight for statehood restoration, urging Iltija to challenge the LG administration rather than targeting the elected government.
The debate comes amid complaints from aspirants who alleged major irregularities in the recent JKP Constable Telecommunication and Photography exams. Aspirants claimed that some candidates who scored poorly or negatively in earlier exams topped the latest recruitment tests.
The accusations have fueled calls for a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process. (KNO)
