• Says, prolonged delay has left aspirants anxious and uncertain

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday expressed deep concern and disappointment over the prolonged uncertainty regarding the demand for age relaxation for aspirants of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Combined Competitive Examination (JKAS/CCE).National Convenor of Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that despite repeated assurances, including from the Office of the Chief Minister, the issue remains unresolved, causing widespread anxiety among aspirants who have invested years of hard work and preparation.

He stated that the movement of the file from the Chief Minister’s Office to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and then to the General Administration Department (GAD) has only prolonged the uncertainty. With less than 30 hours left before the prelims, many aspirants continue to endure sleepless nights, not due to exam pressure but because of administrative indecision. This is not a concession being sought; age relaxation is a fair, essential relief to ensure a level playing field for the youth of J&K, who have already faced limited opportunities, repeated disruptions, and systemic instability over the years.

Khuehami added that countless aspirants; including those who relocated outside the Union Territory for coaching are now in distress. Many are uncertain whether they should book travel tickets, return home, or whether they will even be allowed to sit for the exam. Aspirants whose exam centres are in Jammu face similar confusion. In the absence of a formal written order from GAD or Raj Bhavan, their eligibility remains in limbo. So far, all communication has been verbal, leaving students moving from one office to another without any clarity.The Association noted with regret that although the proposal for age relaxation has reportedly been approved by the Chief Minister and forwarded for the Raj Bhavan’s concurrence, and the file was subsequently returned to the GAD, no formal notification has been issued yet.  

Association reiterated its appeal to the government to restore age relaxation, emphasising that the demand is genuine and justified, especially as J&K continues to be the only Union Territory with such a narrow upper age limit (21–32 years) for open-merit candidates. Many aspirants have lost crucial years of preparation due to circumstances beyond their control, and justice must be delivered before the examination.

The Association firmly believes that in the larger interest of students, and in the name of fairness, equal opportunity, and justice; the demand for age relaxation must be accepted without further delay. This is not a political issue or a favour being requested; it is a reasonable, legitimate plea that reflects the socio-economic and educational hardships faced by the youth of J&K.Khuehami urged the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, and the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to personally intervene, ensure that the long-pending age-relaxation proposal is formally approved, and issue a written public notification immediately. Such an order is urgently required to provide clarity and protect the rights of all aspirants.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here
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

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