Srinagar, Dec 05: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, on Friday criticised the government for what he called “Quixotic governance” over the unresolved JKAS age-relaxation issue, saying aspirants have been pushed into a “confusing and exhausting maze” of contradictory official statements.
Lone said the matter has once again been reduced to the movement of a “file,” with the Chief Minister’s Office claiming it has forwarded the proposal to the LG’s Office, and the latter reportedly sending it back over logistical cost approvals—creating a circular deadlock that has left candidates uncertain about a crucial career milestone.
Taking aim at the Chief Minister, Lone remarked that “CM sahib… has not been a particularly meritorious student,” suggesting he may not understand the pressure faced by aspirants preparing for competitive exams. He said the ambiguity around age relaxation is “unnerving” and directly affecting preparations.
Urging the Chief Minister to intervene, Lone asked for a clear official statement to end the confusion. He pointed out that the all-India open merit upper age limit stands at 38 years, while in J&K it remains 32. “If every rule has been applied in J&K post-2019, why not this one? My vote is for age relaxation,” he said.
Lone concluded that the episode has once again become “a story of whether ‘UTH’ did it or ‘TUTH’ did it,” while aspirants continue to suffer in limbo.
