Seeks urgent intervention of LG for justice
SRINAGAR: Prominent social and student rights activist Er. Ehtisham Khan has strongly condemned the J&K Government after it issued the notification last evening for the J&K Combined Competitive (Civil Services) Examination, advertising 80 posts across the prestigious J&K Administrative Service, J&K Police (G) Service, and J&K Accounts (G) Service.
Calling it a “betrayal of merit”, Khan said: “Out of 80 posts, only 32 have been earmarked for open merit candidates. The remaining 48 have been consumed under reservation quotas. This is not mere statistics — it is a crushing blow to thousands of aspirants who have been preparing day in and day out, sacrificing years of their youth, dropping academic pursuits, and putting their lives on hold for this one exam. Their merit and struggle have been sidelined under the nose of a government that had promised to correct this very policy.”
Highlighting the age discrimination reflected in the notification, Khan said: “Open merit candidates are capped at 32 years of age, while reserved category candidates can appear till 34 years, and physically challenged aspirants till 35 years. Across the rest of India, states allow upper age limits of 37, 40, even 42 years. Ironically, J&K youth, who have endured decades of turmoil, shutdowns, curfews, and academic disruptions, are being punished with the harshest age limits. This is injustice by design.”
Accusing the NC-led government of going back on its own assurances, Khan said: “Before elections, they vowed to review and rationalize the reservation policy. But this notification proves otherwise. Instead of reform, the same flawed and discriminatory system is being used to fill vacancies. This is nothing short of betrayal of the youth.”
Issuing a fervent appeal, Khan urged the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to intervene without delay: “This is not just about recruitment numbers — it is about the dreams of an entire generation. Aspirants have given the best years of their lives in preparation. If fairness and transparency are not upheld today, the trust of youth in the system will collapse forever.”
Concluding, Khan warned: “History will judge harshly. This government risks being remembered not as a protector of its youth, but as its executioner. Our young men and women deserve justice, dignity, and opportunity — not betrayal in the name of policy.