New Delhi, Dec 9: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi today released to media the copy of a detailed letter written by MP Baramulla Er Rashid to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing uncertainty over age-eligibility criteria for the Jammu & Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination (JKCCE).
In the letter, Er Rashid has highlighted the deep distress among aspirants caused by fluctuating notifications and inconsistent interpretations over the maximum age limit. He wrote that the issue has “caused deep anxiety among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir” and has also led to “avoidable misunderstanding between key constitutional authorities within the Union Territory.”
Drawing attention to the long-standing demand, Er Rashid reminded the Home Minister that “for many years, an upper age of 37 years has been considered reasonable given the region’s unique circumstances, prolonged disruptions and limited private sector opportunities.”
He further pointed out that most states in India have already adopted more inclusive age criteria. Quoting the letter, he said: “Most states in India have fixed the upper age limit for their PCS examinations at 40 years for Open Merit candidates and proportionately higher for reserved categories, whereas Jammu & Kashmir continues to restrict eligibility to 32 years.”
He noted that this disparity has created a “sense of injustice among our youth, who feel they are being deprived of parity with the rest of India.”
Er Rashid strongly advocated for a permanent resolution, stating: “A permanent fixation of the upper age limit at 37 years for JKCCE will bring fairness, stability and hope to thousands of deserving young men and women.” He added that such a decision would prevent recurring confusion, reduce litigation and protect the aspirations of candidates who have committed years to public service preparation.
