SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Assembly that it collected nearly Rs 49 crore as application fees from job aspirants through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) over the last two financial years.
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The details were shared by the Minister in charge of the General Administration Department in a written reply to Assembly Question No. 586, raised by the MLA from Pulwama.
According to the official response, a total amount of Rs 48,88,39,650 was realised from candidates during the financial years 2023–24 and 2024–25 through recruitment examinations conducted by JKPSC and JKSSB.
In 2023–24, JKPSC collected Rs 7,39,69,400, while JKSSB received Rs 7,09,83,950, taking the combined collection for the year to Rs 14,49,53,350.
During 2024–25, the collections increased significantly, with JKPSC receiving Rs 10,50,68,700 and JKSSB collecting Rs 23,88,17,600. This brought the total for the year to Rs 34,38,86,300.
Overall, JKPSC collected Rs 17,90,38,100 over the two years, while JKSSB accounted for Rs 30,98,01,550.
Reacting to the figures, the MLA from Pulwama expressed concern, stating that the collection of such a large sum from unemployed youth goes against the government’s earlier assurance that application forms for government jobs would be free. He said imposing fees on job seekers places an additional financial burden on educated but unemployed youth who are already facing economic hardship.
JKPSC (Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission) is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for recruiting for gazetted (senior) government posts through competitive exams like the Combined Competitive Exam (CCE). JKSSB (Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board) is a state-constituted board that conducts exams for non-gazetted and departmental posts. Source kashmir life