JKPSC ‘Misinterpreting’ Reserve List Rule With Waiting List, Claim Aspirants; Intervention To Address ‘Systematic Issue’ from CM Sought

JKPSC ‘Misinterpreting’ Reserve List Rule With Waiting List, Claim Aspirants; Intervention To Address ‘Systematic Issue’ from CM Sought

Srinagar, Nov 17 : Scores of JKPSC aspirants have expressed serious dissent over non-implementation of ‘reserve rule list’, due to alleged misinterpretation of the rule with ‘waiting list’ by the Commission.

 

A delegation of aspirants told GNS, that the Public Service Commission 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.

 

“Despite several representations from the candidates and clarifications from the General Administration Department (JKGAD), JKPSC continues to misinterpret the Reserve List as a waiting list, leading to concerns over transparency and efficiency in candidate selections,” 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 said.

 

“We now are calling for urgent intervention by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to address this systemic issue,” the aspirants said further. (GNS)