Srinagar, June 19(KNB): Scores of athletes selected under the Jammu and Kashmir government’s S.O.-12 recruitment scheme staged a demonstration in Jammu on Thursday, expressing gratitude to the administration for releasing the long-awaited appointment list and terming the selection process fair, transparent and merit-based.
The sportspersons said the recruitment process, which has materialized after nearly 12 years, has brought hope and employment opportunities to deserving athletes who dedicated their lives to sports. The protesters welcomed the government’s decision and thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma for facilitating the recruitment process.
“We have waited for years for this opportunity. Many athletes have crossed the age limit while waiting for recruitment. This appointment process is not just about jobs; it is about securing the future of our families and recognizing our achievements in sports,” said one of the protesting athletes.
Another athlete said, “The government has finally fulfilled a long-pending demand of the sports community. These appointments will provide us livelihood and financial security. We appeal to everyone not to politicize the issue and allow deserving sportspersons to receive the benefits of their hard work.”
The athletes also criticized attempts by certain political leaders to oppose the selection process, alleging that such statements were creating uncertainty among selected candidates. They maintained that the selection had been conducted strictly on merit and in accordance with the notified rules.
According to the official factual report issued by the authorities, the provisions of S.O.-12 of 2022 do not differentiate between Olympic and non-Olympic sports disciplines. The report states that all eligible athletes from 44 recognized sports disciplines were assessed solely on the basis of merit points earned through verified sporting achievements.
The report further maintains that the selection process underwent a comprehensive multi-tier verification mechanism involving scrutiny committees, verification of achievements, examination of eligibility criteria, consultation with relevant departments and approval by the High-Powered Committee before the final list was published.
Officials have asserted that transparency, fairness and merit remained the guiding principles throughout the recruitment process and that all applicants were provided opportunities to submit objections before the publication of the final selection list.
The selected athletes reiterated that the recruitment drive has opened new avenues for sportspersons across Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that future generations of athletes would continue to receive institutional support and recognition from the government.(KNB)