J&K: Referral of Job Vacancies to Recruiting Agencies

J&K: Referral of Job Vacancies to Recruiting Agencies

In a recent circular, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s General Administration Department has emphasized the need for timely referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies.

The Circular No.01-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 01.01.2024, draws attention to the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Rules, 2005, highlighting provisions related to the referral of vacancies under direct recruitment.

According to the circular, departments are required to refer vacancies falling under the direct recruitment quota to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) by the 15th of January each year. The existing procedure for Combined Competitive Services vacancies remains unchanged.

However, a significant lapse has been identified as departments are not adhering to these provisions, causing delays in the referral process to recruiting agencies. This delay is viewed as a hindrance to promptly filling government department vacancies.

To address this issue, all Administrative Departments are urged to ensure timely referral of vacancies to the concerned recruiting agencies, following the stipulated timelines outlined in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Rules, 2005.

The circular further provides specific timelines for different actionable steps:

1. Identification of vacancies to be referred under direct recruitment quota: Two months before the 15th of January each calendar year (i.e., 15th November of the preceding calendar year).
2. Referral of proposal concurrence of Finance Department: One month before the 15th of January each calendar year (i.e., 15th December of the preceding calendar year).
3. Referral of vacancies to JKPSC/JKSSB: 15th January of every calendar year.
4. Submission of Annual Status Report to General Administration Department: 31st January of every calendar year.

Additionally, Administrative Departments must nominate a Nodal Officer, not below the rank of Special/Additional Secretary, responsible for ensuring the completion of procedures within the notified timelines.

Details of these Nodal Officers are required to be provided to the General Administration Department within seven days of the circular’s notification.

This initiative aims to streamline the recruitment process and address the persistent issue of delays in filling vital government positions, ensuring a more efficient functioning of administrative processes.