*Senior official says process on
Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, June 28: Over 225 Outstanding Sportspersons from Jammu and Kashmir are facing immense hardship and uncertainty due to an inordinate delay in the release of the non-gazetted selection list and subsequent appointments-despite the recruitment rules having been finalized and published in the official gazette.
The sportspersons, many of whom have represented India and J&K at national and international levels, say they have been waiting for over a decade for the Government to honour its commitment of providing jobs under the sports quota. With the recruitment process for non-gazetted posts already completed, the athletes are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress.
“This is perhaps the first time in J&K’s history that outstanding sportspersons were forced to protest on International Olympic Day. We had no other choice left,” said one of the athletes. “All the formalities have been completed. Yet, we are waiting endlessly for the final list and appointments.”
Athletes blame the delay on the Government’s inability to finalize recruitment rules for gazetted posts-an entirely separate category. They allege this is being used as a pretext to stall appointments for the non-gazetted cadre.
An international Rollball player and State Awardee shared his disappointment: “We have been running from pillar to post for the last 12 years. Many of us come from poor backgrounds. We are growing overage and desperately need these jobs to support our families.”
Over the past few weeks, the sportspersons have received growing support from political and non-political organizations alike. “This is the first time that so many sections of society are rallying behind us. We hope the Government will finally listen,” the athlete added.
The athletes also approached Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. “The LG said he has done what he could and the final decision rests with an elected Government,” said another sportsperson.
Despite assurances from senior officials, the impasse continues. A senior Government official, when asked to comment, said, “The process of recruitment is on”.
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