Jammu and Kashmir Police Constable Exams 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Recruitment Board (JKSSRB) is conducting recruitment drive for police constables in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first examination in eight years for filling 4,002 posts. Over 5.5 lakh candidates are participating in the written exams across 856 centres. The first phase took place on December 1, 2024, with subsequent phases scheduled throughout December.

Examination Details

The recruitment process involves three phases of written exams. The first phase focused on police constable (executive) positions, with over 2.62 lakh candidates appearing. The second phase is for constable (telecommunication) roles, with more than 1.67 lakh candidates expected. The final phase will assess candidates for constable (photographer) positions, with around 1.28 lakh participants.

Arrangements for Conducting Exams

To ensure the exams run smoothly, the J&K Government has put extensive measures in place. Observers and supervisors have been deployed at examination centres. Invigilators will monitor for malpractices. Videography will be conducted to maintain transparency. Senior officers have been tasked with visiting centres to oversee the process. The Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, will supervise the entire examination process until the OMR sheets are returned to the SSRB.

Protests and Age Limit Concerns

The lengthy gap since the last exams has led to protests from many educated unemployed youth. Many candidates have become overage and ineligible due to the eight-year delay. They are demanding relaxation in the age limit criteria and a rescheduling of the exams. Protesters argue that the delay was beyond their control.

Judicial Intervention

The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has intervened in this matter. The court directed the JKSSRB to provisionally allow 79 applicants to sit for the exam, despite their age. These candidates argued that administrative delays and the COVID-19 pandemic unfairly excluded them. The court noted previous instances where age limits were relaxed and scheduled a follow-up review for February 21, 2025.

Historical Context

This recruitment exercise is as it marks important step in addressing the employment needs in Jammu and Kashmir. The last recruitment cycle took place eight years ago, denoting the urgency of filling these positions.

Future Implications

The outcome of these exams could influence future recruitment policies in the region. It may also set a precedent for how age limits are managed in light of administrative delays.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the impact of administrative delays on employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Discuss in the light of historical recruitment practices, the significance of the recent police constable exams in Jammu and Kashmir.
3. What are the implications of judicial interventions in recruitment processes? Explain with suitable examples.
4. Comment on the role of government measures in ensuring transparency and fairness in competitive examinations.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the impact of administrative delays on employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Administrative delays have resulted in gap in recruitment, leading to a backlog of eligible candidates.
2. Many candidates have aged out of eligibility due to prolonged waiting periods, causing frustration and protests.
3. Delays can exacerbate unemployment rates, particularly among educated youth seeking government jobs.
4. Such delays may erode public trust in recruitment processes and government institutions.
5. Addressing these delays is crucial for enhancing employment opportunities and stabilizing the local economy.

2. Discuss in the light of historical recruitment practices, the significance of the recent police constable exams in Jammu and Kashmir.

1. The last recruitment for police constables occurred eight years ago, denoting a critical gap in hiring.
2. Historical practices have shown that delays often lead to public discontent and protests among job seekers.
3. These exams are as they represent a renewed effort to address local employment needs.
4. Previous recruitment cycles have faced similar issues, indicating a pattern that needs reform.
5. The current recruitment drive could set a precedent for future hiring practices and policies in the region.

3. What are the implications of judicial interventions in recruitment processes? Explain with suitable examples.

1. Judicial interventions can provide relief to candidates unfairly excluded from recruitment due to administrative lapses.
2. For example, the High Court’s decision to allow 79 candidates to sit for exams despite age issues reflects the judiciary’s role in safeguarding rights.
3. Such interventions can set legal precedents that influence future recruitment policies and age limit regulations.
4. Judicial oversight can enhance transparency and accountability in government recruitment processes.
5. However, it may also raise questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and administrative bodies.

4. Comment on the role of government measures in ensuring transparency and fairness in competitive examinations.

1. The government has implemented measures such as videography and deployment of observers to ensure exam integrity.
2. These steps are designed to prevent malpractices and instill confidence among candidates and the public.
3. Involving senior officers to oversee the examination process enhances accountability and transparency.
4. Effective communication of examination protocols can further assure candidates of a fair process.
5. Transparent measures are essential for maintaining the credibility of recruitment processes and public trust in government institutions.