• Calls for aligning J&K age criteria with national civil service standards
  • Warns of growing alienation if government fails to act

SRINAGAR: President of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister Hakeem Mohammed Yaseen on Sunday said that aspirants appearing for the Jammu & Kashmir Administrative and Police Services examinations have been consistently demanding age relaxation for the past five to six years, and the government should have addressed the issue well in time.

Hakeem Yaseen said the government must seriously consider the concerns of these candidates, who represent the future officers of Jammu and Kashmir. “These aspirants are the future of our UT. Their concerns deserved timely and genuine consideration,” he said. He added that although the examination has now been conducted—“with or without considering the demand of aspirants”—the administration must ensure such issues are handled with seriousness in the future.

He noted that candidates who could not appear this time due to the age bar may get another opportunity if the government revisits and relaxes the upper age limit. Referring to national standards, Hakeem Yaseen said that at the All-India level the upper age limit for civil services is 40 years, and a similar rule can be implemented in Jammu & Kashmir, where thousands of youth are unemployed.

“This cat-and-mouse game must end. Justice should be delivered to aspirants who raise genuine concerns,” he said. Hakeen said the government must find a permanent solution to this issue instead of playing a constant cat-and-mouse game with aspirants, stressing that clear and consistent policies are essential to prevent uncertainty and ensure fairness for future candidates

Warning of possible disillusionment among the youth, he said failure to address such demands may lead to deeper alienation and isolation.  “We have seen the consequences of youth alienation in the past, and we continue to face its impact even today. The government must avoid repeating the same mistakes,” he added.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here