The Kashmir Dialogues
Jammu, Mar 04: The Jammu and Kashmir government has collected a staggering ₹14.17 crore in job application fees from aspiring candidates in just over three months, according to information tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Starred Question No. 649, raised by Sajad Gani Lone, revealed that the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) amassed ₹5,72,96,650 and ₹8,44,86,600 respectively, between October 16th, 2024 and January 31st, 2025.
The question also sought details on the total number of vacancies in various departments and whether the government intended to make job application forms free for aspirants.
In response, the government provided consolidated details of vacancies, received from concerned departments, in an Annexure “A”.
However, regarding the crucial question of waiving application fees, the government stated that “Presently, no such proposal is under consideration in the Government.”
This revelation is likely to spark debate among job seekers, particularly considering the high unemployment rate in the region. Many argue that charging hefty application fees puts an undue burden on aspiring candidates, especially those from economically weaker sections.
“It’s disheartening to see the government profiting from the desperation of unemployed youth,” said a local job aspirant, requesting anonymity. “Making application forms free would be a significant relief and demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment.”
The government’s stance on the issue remains unclear, and it is yet to address the concerns raised by the public and opposition leaders. The debate on whether to make job applications free is expected to intensify in the coming days.
Further details on the total number of vacancies and the departments involved are awaited from Annexure “A”.
Sheikh Sameer
M S Nazki
