SRINAGAR: In the midst of an intense cold wave sweeping Jammu & Kashmir, aspirants of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) have taken to the streets, demanding age relaxation and a more reasonable examination schedule.
The protest—marked by scenes of students huddled together in sub-zero temperatures—has drawn sharp political attention. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday urged both the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the newly elected Chief Minister to step in and address the grievances without further delay.
Describing the situation as a “tussle between the LG and the CM,” Mufti said the aspirants were seeking “nothing more than basic fairness.” She appealed to the Office of the LG J&K and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure the issue is resolved promptly.
“These young aspirants are braving freezing conditions only to demand what is rightfully theirs—fair consideration,” she said, adding that prolonged uncertainty was unfair to the region’s youth.
The JKPSC CCE candidates have been pressing for an extension in the upper age limit, citing disruptions over the past few years, and a more student-friendly examination calendar. Despite multiple appeals, officials have yet to announce any concrete measures.
As the deadlock continues, pressure is mounting on the administration to hold consultations and arrive at a solution that addresses the concerns of thousands of aspiring civil servants across the Union Territory.
