Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, has voiced strong objections to the upper age limit set for recruitment by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank. He described the current age bar as a significant impediment for local youth seeking employment opportunities within the region’s premier financial institution.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Para specifically highlighted the age range of 20 to 30 years stipulated in the bank’s recent job notification for Probationary Officer (PO) and Banking Associate posts. He argued that this limit unfairly disadvantages a substantial number of aspirants who have exceeded the threshold and have been diligently preparing for these examinations.
Para drew a direct comparison with the recruitment policies of the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB), which he noted allows candidates to apply for positions up to the age of 40. He questioned the disparity, stating, “When JKSSB allows an age limit up to 40 years, why are JK Bank aspirants being penalized?” The MLA further expressed concerns that the application of reservation norms in recruitment for a commercial entity like the J&K Bank could potentially compromise meritocracy among the local educated youth.
Taking to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Para articulated his position. He stated, “Deeply concerning to see the latest JK Bank notification for PO & Banking Associate posts. Keeping the age limit at 20-30 years is completely unfair to thousands of overaged aspirants who have been waiting patiently for years.” He underscored the demands from the aspiring candidates and the local community.
The MLA articulated simple yet crucial demands aimed at ensuring equitable opportunities. He called for an immediate increase in the upper age limit for recruitment to 40 years, aligning it with the JKSSB criteria. Additionally, he advocated for the revocation of reservation policies in the recruitment process for the J&K Bank. According to Para, these measures are essential to provide the educated youth of Jammu and Kashmir a fair and equal chance to compete for available positions.
The J&K Bank, a prominent financial institution in the Union Territory, conducts regular recruitment drives to fill various positions. These notifications are closely watched by thousands of young individuals seeking stable employment. The age limit for recruitment in public sector undertakings and financial institutions is a recurring point of discussion and concern among job aspirants across India, with different bodies often having varying eligibility criteria. In this instance, the specific age limit set by the J&K Bank has sparked considerable debate, with political representatives like Waheed Para amplifying the concerns of the affected aspirants.
The call for an increased age limit and a review of reservation policies in recruitment processes by Para reflects a broader sentiment among some sections of the youth and their representatives in Jammu and Kashmir. They often advocate for policies that they believe will create a more inclusive and merit-based selection environment, allowing a wider pool of eligible candidates to participate and demonstrate their capabilities. The J&K Bank has yet to formally respond to the MLA’s statements and demands.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
