Srinagar, January : The appointment process for the new chairman and members of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) remains at a standstill, rendering the commission virtually defunct for over two months. The JKPSC, responsible for overseeing recruitment processes and conducting exams for various gazetted positions across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has faced disruptions since November 20, 2023.
The hiatus followed the conclusion of the tenure of former JKPSC Chairman Satish Chandra on November 19, 2023, who served in the position since his appointment in June 2022. The commission, grappling with the absence of a chairman and vacant member positions, has suspended all exams scheduled post-November 20, 2023, including routine and departmental examinations initially set for December 24, 2023, to January 28, 2024.
Zubair Ahmad Raza, another JKPSC member, retired on January 10, exacerbating the challenges faced by the commission. Raza, appointed in June 2020, leaves JKPSC with only one remaining member and the Secretary.
Despite the passage of over two months, the J&K administration has not made new appointments for the chairman and members of JKPSC. An official at JKPSC highlighted the commission’s inability to process recruitments and conduct essential exams, raising concerns among aspirants who find the repeated postponements both costly and mentally distressing.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar declined to comment on the matter, while Secretary JKPSC, Bashir Ahmad Dar, stated that Tariq Ahmad Khan continues as a member, and routine work is ongoing. Dar assured that exams for various subjects under the Higher Education Department have been conducted, and their recommendations submitted. Remaining exams, pending due to the lack of appointments, are expected to be conducted by February or March.
Dar emphasized that the appointment process for the chairman and members typically takes time, asserting that the commission is not defunct. However, the prolonged delay raises concerns about the impact on the commission’s ability to fulfill its crucial role in overseeing recruitment and examination processes in the region.
