CM’s Grievance Cell Recommends Time-Bound Recruitment Calendar for SSB
Srinagar, Aug 29, KNT: The Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell has proposed a series of reforms aimed at streamlining the recruitment process of the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, calling for a structured and time-bound mechanism on the lines of national agencies.
In a communication addressed to the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, Coordinator of the CM’s Grievance Cell, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, suggested that all vacancies referred by administrative departments be advertised twice a year, preferably in April and October. The proposal also calls for a pre-announced bi-annual written test schedule similar to that followed by the Staff Selection Commission and UPSC.
The Grievance Cell recommended that the entire recruitment cycle, from notification to final merit list, be completed within a defined timeframe and that frequent postponements of examinations be avoided. It also advised limiting examination centres to properly monitored district headquarters rather than scattered locations with inadequate infrastructure, which have often led to allegations of mass copying and litigation.
Among other measures suggested were publication of complete merit lists at every stage in the public domain, fixing accountability of paper setters for errors, and releasing answer keys immediately after examinations. The communication also emphasized strengthening internal grievance redressal systems, establishing professional help desks, and appointing grievance officers to enhance transparency.
The recommendations follow numerous complaints received from aspirants regarding delays in advertisements, prolonged recruitment cycles, shifting of examination centres at short notice, inadequate facilities, security lapses and ambiguity in eligibility criteria. The Cell also proposed transitioning examination fee payments to an online mode to ease procedural difficulties faced by candidates.
Officials said the proposed reforms are intended to improve efficiency, ensure transparency and restore confidence in the recruitment system. [KNT]
