J&K aspirants seek age relaxation in SI, constable recruitment process

Srinagar, July 22: In light of several delays in the recruitment process for the Jammu and Kashmir Police Sub-Inspector (JKPSI) and constable positions, aspirants from the Union Territory have made an  appeal to the J&K Government for age relaxation in the ongoing recruitment.

The appeal has been made to ensure that deserving candidates who have been affected by these delays are not unjustly disqualified due to the current age limit.

The aspirants have been preparing diligently for the recruitment, but unforeseen delays, including court cases and administrative issues have caused the process to extend far beyond the anticipated timeline. As a result, many candidates now find themselves ineligible due to age constraints.

The current age limit for the SI, constable recruitment process is set between 18 to 28 years. However, the typical age range for completing graduation in India is generally between 21 to 23 years. Given the delays, many candidates who have freshly graduated or slightly older are now ineligible for the recruitment process.

The aspirants have highlighted that other states, such as Karnataka, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, have set the age eligibility for similar recruitment processes at 32 years. These states also offer strong public sector opportunities that support their youth. This disparity puts the youth of Jammu and Kashmir at a significant disadvantage, limiting their opportunities for public sector employment.

The positions for JKPSI, constables were referred by the Home Department during 2022, but due to the delays, the recruitment process was shelved. Consequently, many aspirants who were within the age limit at the time of the initial announcement have now crossed the current age threshold.

The youth of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those from remote and economically weaker sections, face numerous challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities promptly.

Granting age relaxation, the aspirants argue, would provide an invaluable opportunity for many dedicated and deserving candidates to contribute to the UT's security and development. It would also address the grievances of the youth and ensure inclusivity in the recruitment process.

The aspirants have appealed to the authorities to consider their appeal for age relaxation and facilitate the necessary changes in the eligibility criteria for the SI, constable recruitment process.

They emphasised that such a measure would be a significant step towards supporting the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's youth and ensuring fair access to public sector employment opportunities.