The fact that over 32,000 posts remain vacant across 37 Government Departments in Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of serious concern. With unemployment being a persistent challenge in the region, such a significant number of unfilled positions not only reflects administrative inefficiency but also exacerbates the struggles of thousands of job seekers. The Health and Medical Education Department alone accounts for 7,851 vacancies, which is particularly alarming given the dire need for improved healthcare infrastructure and services. While the JKSSB and the JKPSC have been tasked with filling 3,727 vacancies, this is merely a fraction of the total number of posts that remain unoccupied. The delay in recruitment and lack of a systematic hiring approach raises questions about governance and the priorities of the administration. Departments such as Public Works, Animal Husbandry, and Industries and Commerce also report thousands of vacancies, affecting critical public services and development projects.
A closer examination of the situation suggests a pressing need for expediting the recruitment process. Bureaucratic delays, red tape, and lack of coordination between departments and recruiting agencies have often hampered timely hiring. The Government must take proactive steps to streamline the recruitment process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Moreover, the collection of over Rs 14 crore in application fees by JKPSC and JKSSB since October 16 last year raises concerns about financial burdens on job seekers. Many aspirants, already struggling with economic difficulties, find it challenging to afford multiple application fees. The Government should consider subsidising or even waiving these fees for economically weaker sections to promote greater participation and equal opportunity.
Another pressing issue is the severe shortage of personnel in the education and healthcare sectors. The School Education Department still has 770 vacancies, which hampers the quality of education in Government schools. Additionally, the Health and Medical Education Department’s shortage could have serious repercussions on public health services. Addressing these gaps must be prioritised to ensure that essential services are not compromised. Concrete action, rather than mere statistics, is the need of the hour.
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