Question Hour in LA
Finalization of JKAS departmental examination syllabus in final stages: CM Omar Abdullah
Jammu, Mar 13 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the J&K Legislative Assembly that the finalization of the syllabus for the 2018-24 batches of J&K Administrative Services is in its final stages, and the examinations will be conducted soon thereafter. Responding to a supplementary question from Member Aijaz Ahmad Jan, the Chief Minister acknowledged the delays but assured that the process is now nearing completion.
“The government has gradually streamlined these processes, which had been delayed for some time. However, the complexity of the revision caused an unavoidable delay. This is the first syllabus revision since 2000—after nearly 25 years—which required significant changes,” he said.
He further explained that the administration conducted a comparative analysis of J&K’s syllabus with those of other States and Union Territories to ensure alignment with national standards.
“Necessary modifications have been incorporated, and relevant departments, including Revenue, Law and Information Technology, have contributed to the process,” he added.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that senior IAS officers were consulted in drafting the final syllabus.
“The final draft is now ready, and I assure this House that we will complete the process within a month,” he said.
Addressing the query regarding the 2018 and 2019 batches of Junior JKAS officers, the Chief Minister clarified that existing operative rules do not provide for the declaration of Junior Scale JKAS officers as quasi-permanent.
Instead, the confirmation of their probation is contingent upon passing the Departmental Examination, as mandated by the following service rules:
- Rule 22(1)(a) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956
- Rule 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Service (Probation & Examination) Rules, 2000
- Rule 16(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service Rules, 2008 As per Rule 16 of SRO 386, probationers must pass the Departmental Examination within two years of their appointment to be confirmed in service. However, the Chief Minister highlighted that the examination could not be conducted due to major administrative changes brought about by the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organization Act, 2019, which restructured the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
This reorganization necessitated a comprehensive revision of laws, statutes, and regulations, including those governing the Departmental Examination.
“As a result, the syllabus had to be thoroughly revised to align with the new administrative framework and updated legal provisions introduced by the Re-organization Act,” he said. He further informed the House that Government Order No. 1514-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 30.11.2023, had constituted a committee to finalize the syllabus for the JKAS Probationers’ Departmental Examination.
“We are making every effort to expedite the finalization process. Once the syllabus is approved, steps will be taken immediately to conduct the examination. The confirmation of probation for these officers, which depends on successfully passing the examination, will be processed without delay in accordance with the relevant service rules,” the Chief Minister assured.(GNS)
