JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Government will constitute a departmental committee to review the Appointment of Outstanding Sports Persons Rules notified under S.O. 12 of 2022 and S.O. 412 of 2023, the Department of Youth Services and Sports said on Wednesday.
According to the department, the committee will examine the provisions of the rules, implementation-related issues and suggestions received from stakeholders before making recommendations in accordance with the law.
The decision follows concerns and representations received by the department regarding appointments made under the existing framework. The review, officials said, aims to promote fairness, transparency and merit in the appointment process for outstanding sportspersons.
The department clarified that the review would be prospective in nature and would not affect candidates who were selected under the rules applicable at the time of their appointments.
Officials said Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma had met sportspersons on June 24 and heard their grievances regarding the policy. A delegation of senior government officers also met protesting sportspersons and took note of their concerns.
The department maintained that selections made under S.O. 12 of 2022 and subsequent amendments or instructions had been processed in accordance with the applicable rules. However, it said the government had taken cognisance of demands for a review of the existing framework.
“All grievances and representations received by the department concerning the selection process shall be examined objectively and in accordance with the applicable rules and established procedure,” a departmental spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said consideration of grievances should not be construed as acceptance of allegations or evidence of irregularities, adding that any action would be taken only after due examination and verification.
The department also announced a review of the existing stay position of employees to ensure implementation of the transfer policy in accordance with prescribed norms. The exercise, it said, would take into account administrative requirements, applicable rules and permissible exemptions under the policy.
The government reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law, while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders. It also appealed to concerned individuals to submit factual and verifiable information to competent authorities and avoid drawing conclusions before the review process is completed.