J&K’s political tug-of-war: L-G and CM clash over age relaxation for job seekers amid rising protests

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by NDTV, click this post to read the full article.

Amid rising protests from job seekers regarding age relaxation for examinations, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have exchanged accusations over delays in the process. Abdullah sent a letter to the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC) requesting the postponement of the civil services examination scheduled for December 7, citing significant travel disruptions and uncertainty surrounding the age relaxation proposal. He emphasized the need for fairness and equal opportunity for all aspirants, especially those over the age limit of 32.

Hundreds of aspirants are unable to participate in the exam due to the age restriction, and there are calls to raise the upper limit from 32 to 37 to align with national standards. Despite Abdullah’s request, the JKPSC has decided to proceed with the examination. The Lieutenant Governor’s office clarified that the only proposal received was related to age relaxation, and they had sought clarification on whether it was feasible to conduct the exam with modified eligibility criteria at such short notice.

The L-G’s office rejected claims that the delays originated from their end, emphasizing the importance of due process, especially for large-scale examinations. In response, NC leader Tanvir Sadiq criticized the L-G’s request for further information, arguing it was unnecessary interference and called for the postponement of the exams. As tensions rise between the Chief Minister’s office and the L-G, job aspirants have taken to the streets in Srinagar and Jammu, expressing their distress over the ongoing uncertainty.

The J&K Students Association has voiced concerns about the emotional and financial toll this situation is taking on aspirants, urging the L-G to issue a prompt decision regarding age relaxation and to defer the examination by a week. Opposition leaders have also condemned the government’s handling of the situation, calling for immediate action to address the needs of the aspirants.