The recruitment drive for just 75 Naib Tehsildar posts in Jammu and Kashmir has ended up generating a massive revenue of over Rs 6.43 crore for the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) through application fees, an RTI reply has revealed.

Each application cost Rs 600 for general category and Rs 500 for reserved category candidates, and the collection indicates that more than one lakh aspirants applied for the limited vacancies. However, the sudden deferment of the recruitment last month has left these candidates uncertain about their future, RTI activist Raman Kumar Sharma, who filed the query, said.

“The overwhelming number of applicants competing for only 75 positions highlights the growing unemployment crisis in the region. It reflects the struggles of educated youth who, despite their degrees, are left with very few options,” Sharma noted.

In its response to the RTI, the JKSSB confirmed the collection of Rs 6,43,28,400 in fees but declined to share the exact number of applications received until the recruitment process is complete. Sharma said that for thousands of applicants, many from economically weaker backgrounds, the deferment has not only dashed hopes but also caused financial strain, as application fees are non-refundable.

The recruitment itself has been controversial due to the “Urdu-only” clause in eligibility criteria, which mandated knowledge of the language for the post. The rule triggered protests—particularly from the BJP, which demanded its withdrawal across Jammu region. The matter eventually reached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Jammu, which stayed the rule on July 14.

Defending the clause, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said revenue records have historically been maintained in Urdu, and staff without knowledge of the language would face difficulties in their duties. He added that, in the past, even officers from the administrative services who did not know Urdu were given time to learn after joining.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti, however, termed the CAT order “deeply unfortunate,” arguing that Urdu has long been an official language in J&K and linking it with efficiency rather than politics. She said, “Our records and administration continue in Urdu, and requiring basic proficiency is logical, not divisive.

(With PTI inputs)

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