The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially notified amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960 through a formal notification issued on the 19th of June, 2024. These amendments are set to make noteworthy changes in the recruitment process for the position of Constable, focusing on Special Police Officers (SPOs) and Volunteer Home Guards (VHGs).
Key Highlights of the Notification
Introduction of Reservation Quotas for SPOs and VHGs
- A new rule, 172-C, has been introduced which earmarks horizontal reservations for direct recruitment vacancies at the level of Constable. Specifically, 15% of available vacancies for SPOs and 4% for VHGs will be reserved.
- Candidates from these categories must have a minimum of three years of engagement to be eligible.
- The reserved quota is mandated not to be carried forward to the subsequent year if there are no eligible candidates.
Age Relaxation for SPOs and VHGs
- An amendment to sub-rule (1) of rule 182 has been made, stating that notwithstanding the upper age limit mentioned in rule 176, the maximum age for direct recruitment as Constable has been raised to 40 years for SPOs and VHGs with a minimum of 3 years of engagement.
This decision underscores the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities to individuals who have dedicated their time as volunteers or special officers contributing to the safety and security of the region.
The notification, numbered S.O: 339, draws authority from subsection (3) of section 43 of the Police Act, Samwat, 1983. The changes are aimed to have immediate effect, notwithstanding any inconsistency with the prevailing Jammu and Kashmir Police Rules, 1960.
The notification ends with an official order from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and lists the dissemination of this information to relevant authorities, including the Learned Advocate General, Financial Commissioners, Director General of Police, and others involved in the administration and governance of the union territory.
By making these amendments public, the government manifests its stance on appreciating the contributions of the SPOs and VHGs and ensuring that their experience and dedication do not go unrecognized in the sphere of law enforcement recruitment.
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