Srinagar, Apr 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), led by its chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed serious concern over the exclusion of Urdu from the recruitment criteria for the post of Naib Tehsildar, terming the move detrimental to both administrative functioning and the linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here, the Forum highlighted the historical and functional importance of Urdu in the region, noting that it has remained the official language of administration since the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh.A vast majority of revenue records, including Jamabandis, mutation entries, and land documentation, continue to be maintained in Urdu, making its knowledge essential for officials dealing with ground-level governance.
The Forum observed that removing Urdu as a qualifying component in recruitment examinations could adversely affect administrative efficiency, as officials lacking proficiency in the language may find it difficult to interpret existing records and effectively serve the public.It further stressed that Urdu has traditionally been part of the examination process to ensure that candidates possess the necessary linguistic competence required for revenue and administrative roles.
Emphasizing the broader Jammu and Kashmir context, JKCSF stated that Urdu serves as a unifying medium of communication across regions and communities. Its widespread understanding among the masses enables smoother interaction between the administration and the public, particularly in rural areas where official documentation and communication often rely on Urdu.
The Forum cautioned that such policy decisions may weaken the institutional standing of the language and disrupt the continuity of established administrative practices. It urged the authorities to review and reconsider the decision in the larger public interest, keeping in view the practical realities of governance and the cultural legacy associated with Urdu in Jammu and Kashmir.
