Srinagar, Dec 7: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone on Sunday strongly criticised the government over the denial of age relaxation to JKAS aspirants, saying the issue was long pending and could not be dismissed as a last-minute demand.
Addressing a press conference after aspirants were denied age relaxation, Lone said there was no justification for the elected government to wait for any fresh notification to process the matter. He said age relaxation had been an enabling provision extended repeatedly in the past and should have been addressed well in time.
“In the present power-sharing arrangement, the government had ample time to process the file. The examination notification was issued on August 22, and on November 6 another notification fixed December 7 as the exam date. We fail to understand what the government was busy with all this time when such a crucial issue remained unattended,” Lone said.
He said the delay and indecision ultimately resulted in shattered dreams of JKAS aspirants who had been waiting for clarity on age relaxation. Referring to the clarification issued by the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Lone said it now places a clear responsibility on the Chief Minister to explain his position.
“The Chief Minister keeps lamenting his fate, but the clarification from the LG’s office makes it obligatory for him to answer point by point and clear the position. The CM says he knows nothing. How long will people continue to suffer like this,” Lone asked.
Calling the situation deeply ironic, Lone said it was unprecedented that a sitting Chief Minister failed to ensure issuance of an order on a long-standing demand. “The dignity of the Chief Minister’s chair is at stake. He must clearly state what happened and who is responsible,” he said.
Lone alleged that the failure to grant age relaxation in time had effectively destroyed the career prospects of hundreds of JKAS aspirants who had prepared for years. He said accountability must be fixed and clarity must be provided to candidates without further delay.
He reiterated that his party’s stand on the issue was unambiguous, stating that age relaxation must be granted and the examination should be postponed to ensure fairness and equal opportunity. [KNT]
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