Srinagar, December 5, 2025 : The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to immediately clear the Jammu and Kashmir government’s proposal seeking an increase in the upper age limit for candidates appearing in the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), scheduled to be held on December 7.
PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra said a timely approval of the proposal would reflect compassion, sensitivity and fairness towards thousands of young aspirants who have faced repeated disruptions over the past several years.
On November 10, the Jammu and Kashmir government had announced a relaxation in the upper age limit for open merit candidates to 35 years, raising it from the earlier cap of 30 years. For reserved category candidates, the upper age limit has been fixed at 37 years, while for persons with disabilities it has been set at 38 years. However, the proposal still awaits final approval from the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
In a letter addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Parra said he was writing on behalf of countless aspirants who have been preparing for years under difficult circumstances.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has already forwarded a complete and formal proposal seeking age relaxation for candidates who lost valuable years of preparation due to circumstances entirely beyond their control,” Parra wrote.
He further stated that ministers of the J&K government have repeatedly assured that all procedural formalities have been completed and that only the LG’s approval is pending.
“Since no final decision has been communicated so far, the prolonged silence has led to uncertainty and deep distress among aspirants who continue to cling to hope for a fair opportunity,” he said.
Parra warned that any further delay or refusal could seriously damage public trust.
“A timely and positive decision would not just resolve an administrative issue but also carry great symbolic value for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir at a time when restoring institutional faith is crucial,” he said.
Appealing for an immediate decision ahead of the examination, Parra said approval before December 7 would give aspirants the confidence to appear without fear, uncertainty or perceived injustice.
“It would affirm that the voices of our youth truly matter and that the system they seek to serve stands firmly with them,” the PDP MLA said.
He urged the Lieutenant Governor’s office to accord immediate approval so that thousands of candidates may appear in the examination with dignity and assurance of fairness.
