Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, May 22: Hundreds of outstanding sportspersons from Jammu & Kashmir, many hailing from shelling-hit border areas, have raised serious concerns over the prolonged bureaucratic delays in their recruitment under SO 12 read with SO 412. Despite having won medals at national and international levels, their appointments to non-gazetted posts have remained stalled for over 12 years.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, the sportspersons expressed deep disappointment over the continued inaction by the Youth Services and Sports Department. They highlighted that although the recruitment rules for non-gazetted posts were finalized and published in the official gazette on October 4, 2024, the merit list is yet to be released.
A total of 225 sportspersons, eligible under the said policy, continue to suffer due to what they termed “administrative apathy and red tape.” They alleged that vested interests are deliberately delaying the non-gazetted appointments by linking them with pending rule-making for 10 gazetted posts – a separate process still under discussion in the Civil Secretariat.
“This is not just a delay; it’s inhumane. Many of us are displaced, struggling for livelihood and yet our legitimate rights are being ignored,” said an athlete.
The sportspersons made an urgent appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and the Youth Services and Sports Minister of J&K to immediately publish the non-gazetted merit list and proceed with the appointments independently of gazetted-level issues.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” they stated, demanding accountability and timely action from the authorities.
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