J&K Bank recruitment policy change sparks widespread political and social outrage

Jammu and Kashmir Bank has triggered a major political storm by implementing an amended reservation policy to fill 1,400 vacancies, including 323 probationary officers and 1,033 banking associates.

Policy Details

The updated recruitment framework allocates 60% of the positions to reserved categories and 40% to Open Merit. The reservation breakdown includes 8% for the Schedule Caste, 20% for the Schedule Tribe, 8% for the Other Backward Classes, 4% for the Actual Line of Control or International Border, 10% for the Resident of Backward Area, and 10% for the Economically Weaker Section. The bank also reduced the upper age limit from 32 to 30 years for Open Merit candidates while raising the age criteria up to 40 years for reserved categories.

Reactions and Protests

Regional political parties and local organisations, including the ruling National Conference, have strongly opposed the move. J&K Education Minister Shamima Firdous stated that the existing upper age limit of 30 years needs reconsideration to give more opportunities to eligible aspirants. Peoples Democratic Party legislator Waheed ur Rehman Parra called the policy deeply concerning and argued that applying reservation in a commercial institution undermines meritocracy. CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami and J&K grand mufti Nasirul Islam also urged authorities to reconsider the age criteria and ensure fairness for Open Merit candidates.

Student Appeal

The J&K Students Association wrote to the Lieutenant-Governor demanding urgent intervention, noting that only about 542 posts remain under Open Merit after a recruitment gap of nearly six years. Aspirants have criticized vertical appointment rules allowing reserved category candidates to also compete in Open Merit, with critics terming the policy an act of exclusion.

Context

Jammu and Kashmir Bank serves as one of the primary non-government employers in a region facing limited private corporate opportunities and high unemployment. Changes to hiring rules in such public-facing financial institutions frequently draw intense public scrutiny because employment avenues are scarce for local youth.