05-10-2023 : During an event held in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta made a startling revelation on Thursday. He disclosed that past regimes in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had facilitated over 2.50 lakh job appointments through illegitimate and backdoor channels. This revelation was met with a strong expression of shame and concern from Dr. Mehta, who emphasized the gravity of the situation.
Dr. Mehta, while addressing the event, underscored the need for rectification in the system. He stated, “I feel ashamed to say that over 2.50 lakh undeserving candidates had been granted government jobs in J&K through illegal and backdoor means.” This admission shed light on a long-standing issue that had plagued the region, where individuals with political connections or other unlawful methods had secured government positions at the expense of genuinely deserving candidates.
The Chief Secretary took a firm stance on the matter, asserting that the current administration, led by the Lieutenant Governor, is resolutely committed to providing dignified livelihood opportunities to the educated youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Mehta made it abundantly clear that under the current regime, there would be no tolerance for illegal or backdoor appointments.
He further stated, “No job will be provided through backdoor means. Poor children who were being deprived in the past will be given their due rights and jobs now.” This commitment signaled a significant shift in the employment landscape, with an emphasis on transparency, meritocracy, and fairness.
Dr. Mehta also addressed certain misconceptions and rumors that were circulating regarding the government’s stance on job recruitment. He provided factual data to counter these claims, revealing that a substantial 30,000 jobs had been awarded to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in the past three years. This statistic demonstrated the government’s dedication to addressing the unemployment issue in the region.
Furthermore, Dr. Mehta condemned the era when government jobs were granted based on nepotism and corruption, a practice that had systematically deprived the underprivileged of their rights. He declared that deserving candidates would now receive their rightful opportunities, while those who did not merit government jobs should explore alternative means of livelihood. He encouraged individuals to consider entrepreneurship and business ventures as viable alternatives to low-paying daily wage positions.