Guv clears path for appointment of JKPSC chairman, members

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 27

Governor NN Vohra has laid down the framework for the appointment of chairman and members of the J&K Public Service Commission (JKPSC).

The Governor had directed the Chief Secretary to draw up a draft framework for the selection and appointment of the chairman and members of the PSC after the recommendations made by the Omar Abdullah led NC-Congress dispensation were not found acceptable for several reasons, a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said.

Vohra had discussed the matter with the Chief Secretary earlier this year and had stressed a transparent framework being put in place which would permit only competent, honest and well respected persons being appointed as members and chairperson of the JKPSC.

Vohra’s concern arose from the nature of the recommendations made by the coalition government for the appointment of members. Even the basic facts about the past service, performance and property records were not available with the state government in respect of some of the persons recommended to the Governor.

The framework laid down by the Governor envisages a search committee chaired by the Chief Secretary which shall prepare an adequately large panel, keeping in view the number of vacancies required to be filled in the JKPSC.

It is stipulated that the names of only such persons can be included in the panel that are known for their competence and proven ability, honesty, objectivity and high integrity and command the confidence of the people and would not be deflected by any extraneous considerations from discharging their duty.

The Governor has expressed concern about the need to ensure that theJKPSC functions effectively and maintains a high reputation for its integrity, the spokesperson said.

He had addressed the former Chief Minister in this regard, pointing out that any malfunctioning of the JKPSC would result in the erosion of the high standards which must apply to the selection of the best available candidates for manning posts in the various departments of the government, the spokesperson added.

It was noted that any deficiencies in the JKPSC’s functioning shall result in demoralising meritorious youth who aspire to be selected to the various services.

It was in this background that, keeping in view the inadequate credentials of several candidates and the fact that no process of selection had been followed, the Governor had refused to accept the recommendations forwarded to him by the erstwhile government, the spokesperson said.

The framework which has now been laid down envisages a meticulous inquiry into the past background and public reputation of all the potential candidates, taking into account the record of their performance in service, properties held etc… and identifying only persons of proven integrity.