Jammu and Kashmir Public Services' Commission (JKPSC) has been tight-lipped over the growing claims of alleged misinterpretation of 'Reserve List' rule with 'Waiting List' by the candidates aspiring to apply for different posts advertised by the recruitment agency from time to time.
A delegation of aspirants said that the Public Service Commission has not been implementing the reserve list rule, due to its 'misinterpretation' with waiting list.
The Commission, the aspirants alleged, has utterly failed to implement the Reserve List provision brought under S.O. 61, dated February 23, 2021, in the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE) Rules, 2018.
"We have over the period of time submitted multiple representations to the Commission, even as roping in the media into the matter, asking the authorities concerned to come clear on the matter, but the Commission is yet to budge, putting the careers of thousands of aspirants at stake," the delegation members said.
"The lackadaisical approach by the authorities has given rise to apprehension over transparency and efficiency in selection processes,” they said.
The Reserve List rule, the aspirants maintained, mandates JKPSC to maintain a supplementary list of candidates ranked just below the last recommended in each category. “Unlike a waiting list, which operates as a secondary pool for unfilled positions, the Reserve List addresses vacancies caused by category movements during the service allocation, ensuring fair and merit-based selections.”
“According to multiple representations and grievances filed by aspirants, JKPSC has consistently treated the Reserve List as a waiting list, a stance explicitly contradicted by the JKGAD,” they said, adding, that “through a recent order vide number 1826- JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 24-10-2024, the JKGAD clarified that there is no provision for a waiting list in the JKCCE 2018 rules, firmly highlights the Commission’s failure to operationalize the reserve list rule.”
“This misinterpretation of the rule undermines the very purpose of the Reserve List,” said an aspirant.
“Despite clear rules and government orders, JKPSC’s actions—or lack thereof have created confusion and denied deserving candidates their rightful opportunities.”
Experts argue that such administrative failures erode public trust and hinder the meritocratic principles the rule aims to uphold.
“The Reserve List is critical for ensuring that all vacancies are filled based on merit and service preferences of the candidates required in the multi-cadre service examination,” noted a public administration expert.
“JKPSC’s inaction, compounded by its flawed interpretation, has led to avoidable procedural lapses,” the aspirants said.
“Despite clear directives and repeated clarifications from JKGAD, JKPSC has remained silent on its failure to operationalize the Reserve List,” they alleged.
Despite multiple attempts made no official could be made available to comment on the issue.