Changes in service rules undermine elected govt: CPM

CPM leader and MLA-elect Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami on Saturday expressed “serious concern” over the issuance of new orders regarding appointments and service matters by the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir, ahead of the formation of the new government in the union territory.

The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration on Friday had ordered the constitution of a service selection board for the recruitments on non-gazetted posts.

“These actions undermine the significance of the upcoming legislature and the Cabinet, which are expected to be formed soon,” said Tarigami.

He pointed out that since 2018, Jammu and Kashmir had been under the Centre’s rule. Such orders should have been issued in previous years. Questioning the timing of the L-G’s decisions, the CPM leader said these matters should have been left for the elected representatives to handle.

Describing the new orders as unwarranted, Tarigami called for their immediate rollback, emphasising the need to respect the democratic process as the region prepares for a new legislative Assembly and new government.

In an official order, Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD), had stated that in exercise of the powers conferred by provisions of Article 309 of the Constitution, read with Section 15 of the J&K Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act, 2010, the Lieutenant Governor is pleased to direct that the following Amendment shall be made in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Rules, 2010.

Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu also expressed concerns over the amendments, stating that “stifling an elected government was in nobody’s interest.”

“Amendments being made at this time — when the new government is being sworn in — belies and belittles the celebration of democracy. Disagree with the NC-INC, but this is in bad taste and doesn’t augur well for representative democracy in J&K,” he wrote on X.

The alliance of the National Conference, Congress and the CPM, has secured 49 seats in the 90-member House. On Thursday, four Independents also extended their support, taking the total number of seats to 53.

Earlier on Friday, the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance staked the claim to form government in Jammu and Kashmir as Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah called on Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar.