by Insha Shirazi
SRINAGAR: The Urdu Coordination Committee (Jammu and Kashmir) held a press conference on Thursday to raise awareness about issues related to the use of Urdu language and advocate for making it mandatory for Naib Tehsildar candidates. The committee’s leaders highlighted that Urdu is not just a language but a reflection of the entire civilization, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to connect with their history and culture. They also emphasized that Urdu is the only language that can serve as a means of communication among different linguistic and geographical groups in Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders further explained that with modern technology, the importance and usefulness of language have increased significantly.
During the press conference, Ajaz Ahmad Kakroo, the president of the Urdu committee, highlighted the significance of the fact that most artists from Jammu and Kashmir express their opinions in Urdu language, using creative and aesthetic techniques. He further explained that the conference was called to address the issue of the cancellation of Urdu language in the recruitment of Naib Tehsildars, which underscores the importance of Urdu language. All members associated with the committee expressed their disappointment with the government’s recent decision to cancel the use of Urdu language in the appointment of Naib Tehsildars.
The Jammu & Kashmir administration has made a significant change in the recruitment process for Naib Tehsildar positions in the Revenue Department by eliminating the requirement for Urdu language proficiency. This decision is expected to have an impact on current procedures for land registration and documentation.
Starting in February, the Jammu and Kashmir State Council of Educational Research and Training (JKSCERT) has begun incorporating Hindi into the curriculum for classes I to X. While the committee stated that it was open to the introduction of any language, it acknowledged that the decision to make Urdu a mandatory subject had sparked concerns among the public. However, the Urdu Coordination Committee, along with numerous academic, literary, social, business, and cultural organizations, expressed their disagreement with these official decisions, which contradict the sentiments and intentions of the public. They are urging the lieutenant governor to review and reconsider these decisions.
Professors, teachers, writers, research scholars, and millions of Urdu language enthusiasts are demanding that the government include Urdu Language as a requirement for Naib Tehsildar recruitment. The committee has highlighted the unique characteristics of the Urdu language, which include its prevalence in school curriculums from class 1 to 10 in Kashmir, as well as its teaching at the university level, resulting in more employment opportunities for graduates. Furthermore, the appointment of Urdu teachers at every level could also provide job opportunities. The committee urges the government to recognize these benefits and take responsibility for introducing Urdu as a requirement for Naib Tehsildar recruitment.
