2 days before new J&K govt takes charge, LG revises recruitment rules to stem 'backdoor entry'

SRINAGAR: Two days before the new National Conference (NC)-Congress govt is sworn in, J&K administration led by LG Manoj Sinha introduced Friday new guidelines for recruitment of police officers and hiring in non-gazetted positions. The guidelines replace norms over a decade old and will prevent the elected govt from making backdoor or out-of-turn appointments, an official said.

The updated regulations were outlined in a govt notification, bringing them into effect right away. The move follows complaints of dubious recruitments in state-owned entities such as J&K Bank, other bodies and govt departments by successive NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regimes earlier.

In the aftermath of the Aug 2019 abrogation of J&K’s statehood and special status, powers of such recruitments were vested with LG Sinha. These will devolve to the CM once the new govt takes charge but he will be required to follow the new rules.

There are nearly 60,000 daily wagers/ ad-hoc employees engaged by previous govts over two decades. Engaged in various corporations/departments, most have gone unpaid for months, leading to unrest in society and demands for permanent absorption, officials pointed out.

According to the new rules, police officers will be recruited through promotions and direct appointments. Direct appointments will be carried out by J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC), while promotions will be overseen by departmental promotion committees (DPC).

These new regulations replace J&K Police (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules of 2002, offering a more structured and transparent process, officials said. Two selection committees, led by senior officials such as chief secretary and DGP, have been established to supervise promotions and placements within the department.

For non-gazetted positions in general administration, Friday’s notification has inserted a new clause in Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Rules, 2010. “There shall be constituted a service selection board for recruitment to subordinate services/non-gazetted/Class IV posts of any department or govt company/corporation /board /organisation and body substantially owned or controlled by the govt of Union territory of J&K,” the new clause states.