Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the House that posts in the Gurez area are to a large extent filled up as per the sanctioned strength, and staff are posted strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.

The Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmed Khan (Gurezi). He said that the Government continuously monitors staffing positions across all regions to ensure smooth functioning of offices and effective delivery of public services.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the General Administration portfolio, stated that while certain departments may experience vacancies from time to time due to routine administrative reasons, there is no acute shortage of staff affecting the overall functioning of government offices.

“The Government is taking necessary steps to address vacancies and ensure smooth delivery of public services,” the Chief Minister said.

He further clarified that under the current legal framework, recruitment to government posts in Jammu & Kashmir, including Class-IV posts, is governed by the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act, 2010 and the rules framed thereunder.

The Chief Minister informed that the Decentralization and Recruitment Act, as amended by the Central Government pursuant to the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, vide S.O. 1229 (E) of 2020 dated 31st March, 2020, provides for employment on the basis of domicile as defined under the law.

“The eligibility for appointment is based on domicile of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and no area-specific reservation is provided under the Act or the rules,” he clarified.