Omar Abdullah Corrects Nadda on JKSSB Leak
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has challenged Union Minister J.P. Nadda’s account of a recruitment paper leak, saying the incident occurred in 2022 under the Lieutenant Governor-led administration.
Omar Abdullah Corrects JP Nadda
Nadda cited the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board paper leak while accusing Congress and its allies of remaining silent about examination irregularities in states governed by them.
Abdullah responded that Nadda was correct about the JKSSB controversy but had identified the governing administration incorrectly. He said the leak occurred in 2022, when Jammu and Kashmir was under the direct administration of the Lieutenant Governor and did not have an elected National Conference-Congress government.
The current National Conference-led government assumed office after the 2024 Assembly election.
JKSSB Exams Cancelled in 2022
Recruitment examinations for several government posts, including police sub-inspectors, junior engineers and finance accounts assistants, were cancelled in 2022 following allegations of paper leaks, corruption and irregularities.
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court subsequently directed the administration to establish a high-powered committee headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the functioning of the JKSSB.
Abdullah asked Nadda to disclose the status and findings of that committee, saying its report had not been made public.
Separate 2013 Paper Leak Case
Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed a separate examination scandal in 2013 involving the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations during Abdullah’s earlier tenure as chief minister. That case is distinct from the 2022 JKSSB recruitment controversy cited in the current political exchange.
The disagreement comes amid a wider national debate over paper leaks and the ongoing protests related to the NEET-UG examination. The Centre has announced fast-track courts and additional reforms to strengthen examination security.
