Jammu, Mar 30 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday notified the Jammu and Kashmir Secretariat (Subordinate) Service Recruitment Rules, 2026, providing a detailed framework for recruitment and service conditions of subordinate staff in the Civil Secretariat.
According to the notification, as per news agency JKNS, the rules have been framed under the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India and will come into force from the date of their publication in the Government Gazette.
The rules provide for the formal constitution of the “Jammu and Kashmir Secretariat (Subordinate) Service,” including provisions for absorption of existing employees holding substantive posts in the cadre, subject to eligibility criteria. It clarifies that only regular appointments will be considered, excluding ad-hoc or deputation-based postings.
It further defines key terms such as Government, Union Territory, cadre, post and recruitment authorities, with the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board designated for direct recruitment, while promotions will be carried out through Departmental Promotion Committees.
As per the rules, appointments to the service shall be made through direct recruitment or promotion, with eligibility conditions specified in the schedules annexed to the notification. The Government will also determine the strength and composition of the cadre, with provisions for periodic review every five years.
The notification mandates a probation period of two years for direct recruits, along with compulsory training and departmental examinations during the probation phase. Reservation in appointments will be implemented as per the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act and existing rules.
It also provides for maintenance of seniority in accordance with the Civil Services Rules, while matters not explicitly covered will be governed by general service regulations applicable in the Union Territory.
In case of any issue regarding interpretation of the rules, the General Administration Department will be the final authority.
The notification also states that previous corresponding rules stand repealed; however, actions taken under them will remain valid under the new framework.
The move is aimed at ensuring transparency, streamlining recruitment and strengthening administrative efficiency in the Civil Secretariat. (JKNS)
