BJP Slams Reappointment of Retired Officers, Flags Unemployment Issue in J&K

Srinagar : The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday criticized the reappointment of retired officers on contractual basis in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that such decisions are undermining employment prospects for educated youth in the Union Territory.

BJP media incharge Sajid Yousuf Shah raised the issue on social media platform X, sharing copies of recent government orders related to the engagement of retired officials. He alleged that despite limited job opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, retired officers are being reengaged while unemployed youth continue to struggle for opportunities.

Shah specifically referred to a government order issued by the General Administration Department sanctioning the engagement of Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, JKAS (Retd), as Consultant in the Tourism Department on contractual basis for a period of one year, terminable on one month’s notice from either side. The order, dated April 4, 2025, outlines that the appointee’s pay and service conditions will be governed under applicable rules.

He also highlighted another government order dated November 3, 2025, appointing Bashir Ahmad (Retd) as Officer on Special Duty with the Hon’ble Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly on contractual basis. The terms of appointment include a one year tenure in the first instance, co terminus with the term of office of the Speaker or terminable with one month’s notice, whichever is earlier.

Reacting to these appointments, Sajid Yousuf Shah alleged that the present dispensation under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is prioritising retired officials over unemployed youth. He tagged the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on X, suggesting that the issue be addressed in the party’s future election manifesto.

The BJP leader said that educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir are facing prolonged unemployment and are seeking transparent and merit based recruitment rather than contractual reappointments of retirees. [KNT]