The career of thousands of aspirants of civil services in Jammu and Kashmir is at stake. Most of them are at the verge of age bar. And a huge section among them is hardly in a position to manage day-to-day affairs.
The decision of J&K administration to reconstitute the Public Service Commission (PSC) which has also been challenged in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on the grounds that it violates the section 93 of J&K Re-Organization Act-2019 has created a chaotic condition.
Though the court is yet to take call in the petition that seeks court to stay the operation of the government decision pending disposal of the writ petition and quashing the same by issuing appropriate directions, the army of aspirants have been left high and dry.
Section 93 of J&K Re-Organization Act-2019 clearly protects the existing public service commission, which includes its chairman and members. On this ground, an Educational Trust—petitioner has challenged the government order seeking its annulment at an earliest.
The issue has assumed significance because the thousands of students who were about to appear in the interview for civil service examinations already conducted by the JKPSC, are in a fix. These candidates are confused about the future course of action.
Many of these candidates are nearing to cross the age bar. This situation has coincided with the abolition of 5-years age relaxation provided by the government of India which was exclusively applicable to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir who would appear in union Public Service Examinations.
Whatever, the result of adjudication, the Honb’le High Court of Jammu and Kashmir should take a call in the matter at an earliest so that thousands of civil service aspirants and their families take a sigh of relief.
The government must also decide on the existing set up of PSC and clear the air vis-à-vis its validity as warranted under law.
