Over ₹6.43 Crore Collected in Fees and Morethan 1 lakh form submitted for 75 Naib-Tehsildar Posts in J&K

Over ₹6.43 Crore Collected in Fees and Morethan 1 lakh form submitted for 75 Naib-Tehsildar Posts in J&K

Jammu: The recruitment drive for just 75 Naib-Tehsildar posts has turned into a major revenue generator for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), which collected over ₹6.43 crore in application fees from aspirants, according to information obtained through an RTI query.

Each application was priced at ₹600 for general category and ₹500 for reserved category, indicating that over 1.1 lakh candidates applied for the posts. However, the deferment of the process last month has left thousands of aspirants in uncertainty.

RTI activist Raman Kumar Sharma, who sought the information, said,

“The sheer scale of the response — over one lakh candidates vying for just 75 posts — reflects the deepening unemployment crisis. Educated youth with degrees and qualifications are left with few opportunities.”

RTI Findings

• Total fees collected: ₹6,43,28,400
• Posts advertised: 75 Naib-Tehsildar (Revenue Department)
• Recruitment status: Deferred after CAT stay on Urdu-only rule

While JKSSB declined to share category-wise application numbers until the process concludes, it admitted to the massive collection of fees.

Urdu Clause Controversy

The recruitment became contentious after the mandatory Urdu proficiency clause was challenged. The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu, on July 14 stayed provisions of the 2009 Recruitment Rules that required graduation with knowledge of Urdu for the post.

• Omar Abdullah (NC): Defended the rule, saying revenue records are historically maintained in Urdu and efficiency requires basic knowledge of the language.
• Mehbooba Mufti (PDP): Criticised the CAT stay, calling it “unfortunate” and alleging that Urdu is being “unfairly communalised.”

Aspirants Left in Limbo

With no refund policy for application fees, the deferment has been a financial setback for many aspirants from poor backgrounds. “For thousands, it is not only the loss of hope but also of hard-earned money,” Sharma said.

The controversy continues as the state grapples with high unemployment and political debates over language, fairness, and opportunities in recruitment.