SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Naeem Akhtar, has appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir administration to raise the age limit for the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) from 32 to 35 years. Akhtar described the current age cap as “discriminatory,” given the disruptions the region’s youth have endured.
The JKCCE Preliminary Examination, scheduled for November 17, 2024, has sparked concern among aspirants who fear the age restriction will exclude them from a fair chance at public service roles. Akhtar highlighted the challenges faced by young people born between 1990 and 1999, who have experienced repeated disruptions to their education and careers. He listed major events like the unrests of 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2016, along with the 2019 reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir, during which civil service examinations were paused for two years.
“Raising the upper age limit to 35 years would offer these candidates a fair opportunity to recover lost time and compete on a level playing field,” Akhtar stated, stressing that it is a necessary measure of relief for years of turmoil and instability.
Akhtar criticised the disparity in age limits between Jammu and Kashmir and other states, arguing that regions with less challenging histories, such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, have upper age limits ranging from 35 to 42 years for similar exams. “Capping the age at 32 in a conflict-affected region like Jammu and Kashmir is unjust,” he said.
Addressing the additional barriers under revised reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir, Akhtar argued that open merit candidates deserve an extended opportunity to compete. “Allowing general category candidates to apply up to 35 years is crucial to preventing further marginalisation and ensuring fair representation in governance,” he added.
Akhtar concluded by urging the Jammu and Kashmir administration to act on this matter to uphold inclusivity and equity, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fair governance.
