Jammu and Kashmir Government to Decide on Urdu Requirement in Naib Tehsildar Exam

Wiki Article

The Jammu and Kashmir Government will hold an important meeting on October 6, 2025, at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to decide whether Urdu will remain a compulsory subject in the Naib Tehsildar (N.T.) recruitment exam. The meeting, scheduled for 3 p.m., comes amid ongoing controversy over the language requirement.

The Issue

For decades, Urdu has been part of the Naib Tehsildar exam, reflecting its importance in revenue administration. Most land records, revenue registers, and official documents in Jammu and Kashmir are still maintained in Urdu. Because of this, officers such as Patwaris and Naib Tehsildars have traditionally been required to demonstrate proficiency in the language.

The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) recently reaffirmed Urdu as compulsory, sparking sharp reactions. Supporters argue that knowledge of Urdu is essential for efficiency in revenue offices. Critics, however, claim the rule restricts opportunities for non-Urdu speakers and creates an Ladakh news uneven playing field for aspirants.

Participants in the Meeting

According to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting will include:

Financial Commissioner (Revenue)

Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister

Commissioner/Secretary, General Administration Department

Secretary, Revenue Department

Chairman, JKSSB

Senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat

Officials who are currently outside the Union Territory will participate via video conferencing.

Stakeholders’ Views

The All Jammu & Kashmir Patwar Association has demanded here that Urdu remain part of the exam, describing it as critical for the day-to-day functioning of revenue offices. The J&K Sports news Urdu Coordination Committee has also supported this view, calling Urdu both a practical and cultural necessity.

Meanwhile, aspirants opposing the rule are pressing for reforms. They propose either making Urdu optional or replacing it with a more flexible evaluation method.

Significance

The outcome of the October 6 meeting will affect thousands of candidates preparing for the Naib Tehsildar exam. It will also set the tone for how the government balances tradition with inclusivity in future recruitment policies.

Conclusion

The decision on Urdu’s place in the Naib Tehsildar exam will not only determine the future of this recruitment process but may also shape the broader role of language in administration across Jammu and Kashmir. All eyes are now on the Civil Secretariat as officials prepare to take a final call.