In a region that was promised equality and uniform opportunities after the abrogation of Article 370, the recent notification issued by the JKSSB for the recruitment of Naib Tehsildars exposes a jarring contradiction between promises and practice. By mandating a qualifying Urdu test for selection, the JKSSB has reignited fears of deliberate exclusion and linguistic discrimination, especially against aspirants from the Jammu region. This is even though Urdu is not a compulsory subject in schools and is not the primary medium of instruction for the majority in the Jammu region. The question is glaring-why should an optional language be a qualifying benchmark for a key administrative post? This is not an isolated case. History bears witness to similar exclusionary practices. In 2019, 122 out of 126 candidates for Naib Tehsildar disqualified due to the Urdu test were from the Jammu region itself. The then administration acknowledged the flaw and promised corrective measures. Yet, here in 2025, the same mistakes have been repeated.
J&K is now a UT, where governance is expected to be guided by principles of neutrality, fairness, and national integration-not linguistic or regional favouritism. Revenue records and official documentation are predominantly digital and in English. Even FIRs and legal paperwork are primarily filed in English. Then why should Urdu-an optional language-be the gatekeeper for a position as crucial as Naib Tehsildar? Furthermore, the move deeply disadvantages not just local aspirants but also those who have recently acquired domicile status; many of them come from Hindi medium. By making Urdu a make-or-break criterion, the administration is shutting the door on a vast section of otherwise eligible and meritorious candidates. This is not merely unfair-it is unconstitutional.
It is worth noting that even in prestigious All India Services like the IAS or JKAS, no candidate is ever disqualified based on knowledge of a regional language. Officers are provided with appropriate training once selected. A similar approach should be adopted here. In a region like J&K, where every policy carries political and social undertones, delay or inaction on this issue can snowball into yet another avoidable flashpoint.
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