In a significant development for job seekers in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today during the ongoing budget session that more than 16,000 government posts will soon be referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) for recruitment.
This move is set to address the pressing issue of unemployment in the Union Territory and streamline the hiring process across various government departments.
The announcement, made on Thursday, March 20, 2025, reflects the National Conference-led government’s commitment to expediting recruitment and filling vacant positions efficiently. Among the posts to be referred, 10,257 are Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions, while an additional 6,000 posts comprise a mix of gazetted and non-gazetted roles.
This initiative is poised to provide a major boost to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom have been awaiting government job opportunities.
A Breakdown of the Posts
10,257 MTS Posts: These Multi-Tasking Staff positions are currently under review by the finance department. CM Abdullah assured that they will be referred to the recruiting agencies, primarily JKSSB, in the near future.
MTS roles typically involve support staff duties across various departments, offering entry-level employment opportunities to a wide range of candidates.
6,000 Gazetted and Non-Gazetted Posts: This tranche includes higher-level positions requiring specialized skills and qualifications, alongside other non-gazetted roles.
These vacancies, already prepared for referral, will be sent to JKSSB and JKPSC shortly, ensuring a balanced approach to filling both administrative and technical positions.
Commitment to Speedy Recruitment
Speaking during the budget session in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized the government’s dedication to addressing the longstanding issue of vacancies. “The Jammu and Kashmir government has accelerated its recruitment process, filling over 15,000 vacancies in the past two years,” he stated, highlighting recent achievements.
He further noted that the JKSSB and JKPSC have been directed to adopt a target-based approach to complete recruitment within set timelines.
The Chief Minister’s announcement comes on the heels of earlier revelations during the budget session, where he disclosed that 32,474 posts remain vacant across 37 government departments as of January 31, 2025. Of these, only 3,727 had been referred to JKSSB and JKPSC since the government took office on October 16, 2024. Today’s pledge to refer over 16,000 additional posts signals a ramp-up in efforts to bridge this gap.
A Step Towards Economic Growth
The referral of these 16,000+ posts aligns with the broader objectives outlined in the 2025-26 budget, which CM Abdullah presented earlier this month. With an allocation of ₹1.12 lakh crore, the budget aims to foster economic growth and restore prosperity in the region.
By prioritizing job creation, the government seeks to empower the youth and bolster public services, which have been hampered by staffing shortages.
Abdullah also reiterated his administration’s focus on transparency and efficiency in recruitment. Recent measures, such as abolishing interviews for posts up to Pay Level 5 (₹29,200-92,300), are intended to simplify the process and reduce delays. “We aim to fill 1,502 gazetted and 5,751 non-gazetted vacancies by the end of this year,” he added, underscoring the urgency of the task.
Addressing Past Challenges
The announcement has been met with optimism, though it also brings attention to the slow pace of recruitment in the past. Despite the existence of over 32,000 vacancies, only a fraction had been addressed in the initial months of the current government.
The referral of 10,257 MTS and 6,000 gazetted/non-gazetted posts is seen as a corrective step to meet the expectations of job aspirants, many of whom have expressed concerns over delays.
Additionally, the government has faced questions regarding the ₹14.17 crore collected as examination fees by JKSSB and JKPSC since October 16, 2024. While no proposal is currently under consideration to waive these fees, the revenue underscores the high demand for government jobs in the region.
Looking Ahead
Today’s announcement during the budget session marks a pivotal moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s employment landscape. With over 16,000 posts soon to be referred to JKSSB and JKPSC, the government is taking concrete steps to fulfill its promise of development and opportunity.
As these vacancies move toward the recruitment phase, thousands of aspirants across the Union Territory eagerly await the chance to contribute to its future.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s proactive stance during the budget session reaffirms his administration’s resolve to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of progress and prosperity, one job at a time.
