Over 32,000 Government Posts Vacant in J&K, Health Dept Tops List: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Mar 4: Over 32,000 positions are vacant across 37 departments of the Jammu and Kashmir government, with the Health and Medical Education Department accounting for the highest number at 7,851, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the Assembly on Tuesday.

Addressing a query raised by Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Gani Lone regarding the status of job vacancies as of January 31, the Chief Minister, who also oversees the General Administration Department, disclosed that a total of 32,474 posts are lying vacant across various departments. This includes 2,503 gazetted posts, 19,214 non-gazetted positions, and 10,757 multi-tasking staff (MTS) vacancies.

Since the formation of the government on October 16, the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) have been assigned to fill 3,727 vacancies. Of these, 738 gazetted, 1,754 non-gazetted, and 1,235 MTS positions have already been referred for recruitment.

     Department-Wise Vacancy Breakdown:

• Health and Medical Education: 7,851 vacancies
• Public Works (Roads & Buildings): 3,759 vacancies
• Animal Husbandry: 2,589 vacancies
• Industries and Commerce: 2,517 vacancies
• Housing and Urban Development: 2,420 vacancies
• Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare: 1,340 vacancies
• Power Development: 1,305 vacancies
• Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs: 1,131 vacancies
• Finance Department: 1,009 vacancies
• Revenue Department: 1,004 vacancies
• Jal Shakti Department: 856 vacancies
• School Education Department: 770 vacancies

The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction is the only department with no vacancies at present.

Among the recruitment efforts, 594 gazetted posts are to be filled in the School Education Department, 56 in the Health and Medical Education Department, 45 in the Power Department, and 41 in the Horticulture Department.

Revenue Generated from Job Applications

In response to another question, the Chief Minister revealed that since October 16, JKPSC has collected over ₹8.44 crore, while JKSSB has generated ₹5.72 crore as application fees from job aspirants. Despite the significant amount collected, Abdullah confirmed that there is no proposal under consideration to make job application forms free for candidates.

The government’s efforts to expedite the recruitment process come amid growing concerns over unemployment and the need for administrative efficiency in the region.