AJK Public Service Commission

There are many flaws in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Public Service Commission. It is very slow in conducting exams and the candidates are discouraged because of the slow process. Some vacancies were advertised in July 2010 for which exams have not been conducted so far. The competitive exam for the posts of section officer was held from July 27 to August 10, 2010. Shamefully, during the exam, the candidates were facilitated by the ‘booty mafia’, especially in the everyday science paper, at the cost of merit.
In the interview, there was no criterion to judge the capability of the candidates. Questions like how many lakes are there in Kashmir and who was the first speaker of the AJK legislative assembly were asked. No question requiring reasoning was asked of anyone.
Vacancies have been advertised again in different departments by AJKPSC. But the previous practice must not be exercised again in maintaining merit fair and transparent. AJKPSC give examination in rainy season, July or August due to centre availability that creates myriad problem for the candidates.
I suggest the following steps to counter these bad practices: corrupt trends must be eliminated from the roots as soon as possible if we expect justice from the bureaucracy. The Islamabad centre is better than Muzaffarabad. Its location facilitates everyone whether one comes from Mirpur or Lahore. Moreover, the road to the AJK capital via Kohala is dangerous, especially in the rainy season. A majority of the refugee candidates live in different parts of Pakistan and they need a centre in a place like Islamabad or Lahore. The Kashmir council or FPSC building in Islamabad would make a proper centre. The selection procedure needs to restructure itself to be more efficient. Favouritism and political appointments must be stopped to encourage talent.
The examination schedule should be as CSS examination two papers per day. It will save times for those candidates who are already working and can’t get more leaves for exam. Some papers have fifty marks they can be two papers in one day. It will not only save money, time but also will be help full in summer seasons. Summer and rainy season creates many problems as accommodation.
This is the voice of hundreds of candidates who want open merit and justice in the AJKPSC.

SAQIB IJAZ CHAICHI
Lahore