Jammu and Kashmir Government to Decide on Urdu Requirement in Naib Tehsildar Exam
Wiki Article
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has scheduled a high-level meeting on October 6, 2025, at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to deliberate on whether Urdu should remain a qualifying component in the Naib Tehsildar (N.T.) examination. The matter has gained urgency following growing debate among aspirants, officials, and linguistic bodies.
Why Urdu is at the Center of the Debate
For decades, Urdu has served as the official language of revenue administration in Jammu and Kashmir. Revenue officials, including Patwaris and Naib Tehsildars, traditionally relied on Urdu to maintain land records, legal papers, and revenue registers. Because of this administrative history, Urdu became an essential requirement in recruitment examinations for these posts.
However, the recent notification by the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) retaining Urdu as a compulsory subject has sparked protests among aspirants who argue that the language requirement limits equal participation. Many candidates from non-Urdu backgrounds believe the rule is outdated and unfair, as it gives an advantage to a select group of candidates.
Official Stakeholders in the Meeting
The meeting notice, issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, confirms the participation of several senior officials. These include the Financial Commissioner (Revenue), the Additional Chief Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, the Secretary, Revenue Department, the Chairman of JKSSB, and other senior representatives.
To ensure inclusivity, officers currently outside Jammu and Kashmir will join the Daily News Doze meeting through video conferencing. This move highlights the seriousness of the government in addressing the matter promptly and inclusively.
Divided Opinions on the Issue
The All Jammu & Kashmir Patwar Association has taken a firm stand in favor of continuing Urdu in the recruitment process. They argue that removing the Urdu paper would severely disrupt the functioning of the revenue department, as most existing records and registers remain in Urdu.
Similarly, the J&K Urdu Coordination Committee stresses that this is not merely about recruitment but also about preserving a cultural and linguistic identity deeply rooted in the region’s governance and society.
On the other hand, many aspirants insist that administrative modernization demands flexibility. They suggest that Urdu should either be made optional or replaced with a hclick here different assessment format, allowing candidates from diverse educational backgrounds to compete on equal terms.
What to Expect from the Meeting
The meeting scheduled for October 6 is expected to set Ladakh news the tone for future recruitment policies. If the government decides in favor of continuing with Urdu, it will reaffirm the traditional approach to revenue administration. If changes are introduced, it may indicate a broader shift toward reforming recruitment practices in the Union Territory.
The outcome will directly impact thousands of aspirants preparing for the Naib Tehsildar examination and could also shape the broader language policy in J&K’s administrative framework.
Conclusion
The question of Urdu in the Naib Tehsildar exam represents more than an educational or recruitment issue—it reflects the delicate balance between tradition, culture, and modern governance. With tomorrow’s meeting, the government has an opportunity to either reinforce Urdu’s long-standing role in administration or introduce reforms to create a more inclusive recruitment process.
