Only 899 new posts have been created across various departments in Jammu and Kashmir Government since October 16, 2024, the Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

In response to a question by MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, Government data states that the Health & Medical Education Department accounts for the highest number of 485 new posts created, followed by Housing and Urban Development with 266 posts and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs with 82 posts.

The Jal Shakti Department has created 43 posts, while the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR) has created 16 posts.

The remaining posts include three in Cooperatives, two in Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and one each in ARI & Trainings and Transport Departments.

The House was also informed that a total of 7580 selections have been finalised by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) since October 2024.

The Government said JKPSC finalised 1768 selections, while JKSSB finalised 5812 selections during the period.

As per the category—wise details of vacancies referred to the two recruitment agencies during the period, the Government said for JKPSC, a total of 1,852 vacancies were referred. These included 855 under Open Merit (OM), 198 Scheduled Caste (SC), 166 ST-1, 156 ST-2, 114 OBC, 65 ALC/IB,149 RBA, 139 EWS, four PSP and six ST backlog vacancies.

For JKSSB, 12,418 vacancies were referred. These comprised 5173 Open Merit, 1104 SC, 1248 ST-1, 1212 ST-2, 933 OBC, 495 ALC/IB, 1174 RBA and 1079 EWS vacancies.

The two recruitment agencies received 14270 vacancies for recruitment during the period, according to the Government reply. (KNO)

A selection-grade constable was arrested on Monday for allegedly hitting and injuring a Station House Officer (SHO) with his vehicle in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. This incident, which occurred late Sunday evening, has drawn attention to the conduct of police personnel in the region.

Officials confirmed that the constable, identified as Khurshid Ahmad Wani, a resident of Bindoo in Kokernag, lost control of his vehicle while speeding near the Bijbehara police station. The SHO, Majid Ahmad Khan, was on duty when the accident took place.

The vehicle, bearing registration number JK16A-3739, has been seized as part of the investigation. Wani has been charged under laws pertaining to rash and negligent driving, raising concerns about the behavior of law enforcement officials.

While no serious injuries were initially reported for SHO Khan, authorities are conducting further examinations. “The report of the incident is under review, and we are ensuring that appropriate action is taken,” an official said. This incident highlights the critical need for accountability among police personnel, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Community sentiment remains strong as incidents involving police conduct have often resulted in public outcry. Residents in the area have shared mixed feelings about the police force, highlighting that while they rely on them for safety, incidents like this undermine trust.

The arrest of the constable comes amid ongoing discussions about police reform and accountability in the region. As the investigation progresses, there is a heightened focus on educating law enforcement about responsible driving and the consequences of reckless behavior.

This incident adds to a series of events that have raised eyebrows regarding police practices in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing attention from both local media and human rights organizations. The government is expected to release a more detailed response as the situation unfolds.