Jammu, April 11, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir government is facing a significant challenge with 32,474 vacant posts across 38 departments, as highlighted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a recent Legislative Assembly session. The vacancies, which include 2,503 gazetted posts, 19,214 non-gazetted posts, and 10,757 Class-IV posts, have sparked concerns about unemployment and administrative efficiency in the Union Territory.
The Health and Medical Education Department accounts for the highest number of vacancies, with 7,851 unfilled positions, exacerbating the strain on healthcare services. Since the formation of the National Conference-led government on October 16, 2024, only 3,727 of these vacant posts have been referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) for recruitment. Efforts are underway to address the backlog, with the government targeting to fill 7,253 vacancies by the end of 2025, including 1,502 gazetted and 5,751 non-gazetted posts.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who oversees the General Administration Department , outlined measures to streamline the recruitment process. Over the past two years, 13,466 non-gazetted vacancies were referred to JKSSB, resulting in 9,351 selections, while 2,390 gazetted vacancies sent to JKPSC led to 2,175 appointments. To enhance transparency and speed, interviews for posts up to Pay Level 5 and Level 6, including roles like Junior Engineers and Naib Tehsildars, have been eliminated. Additionally, JKSSB has adopted online Computer-Based Tests and a single-exam system for multiple posts where feasible.
The government jobs crisis has drawn attention to systemic issues, with departments like School Education and Health facing critical shortages. For instance, 597 Lecturer posts across 27 disciplines were recently referred to JKPSC, and 150 Junior Engineer positions are under recruitment. Meanwhile, over 6,000 additional vacancies are ready for referral, pending final approvals.
The issue of daily wagers also remains unresolved, with a high-level committee, led by the Chief Secretary, tasked to propose a policy for regularising Casual, Seasonal, and Other Workers . This committee will address humanitarian, legal, and financial aspects to ensure fair outcomes.
The 32,474 vacant posts have fuelled public discontent, with unemployment rates climbing in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that delays in filling these positions hinder development and service delivery. The government’s commitment to expedite recruitment offers hope, but stakeholders are urging swift action to address the government jobs shortage and support the region’s youth.