Making Urdu mandatory for NT posts justified, constitutional: Inam-un-Nabi

Srinagar, Jul 17: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) has strongly opposed any move to dilute Urdu as a mandatory qualification for Naib Tehsildar posts in Jammu & Kashmir, terming the language historically rooted and administratively essential.

AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi stated that Urdu has been the official language of J&K since the Dogra era and continues to be in revenue records, judicial work and official communication. “Removing Urdu from the eligibility criteria undermines both our history and practical governance needs,” he said.

Inam added that this is not just a language issue, it’s about effective public service delivery. “Naib Tehsildars engage with people on the ground and familiarity with Urdu is indispensable for carrying out their duties efficiently,” he stressed.

Inam further said that Urdu is a recognized language in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India and more significantly, has remained the official language in Jammu and Kashmir both before and after 1947. “Sidelining this requirement is not in the interest of justice or sound administration but adverse to both. The passing of Urdu in such recruitment processes is sine qua non. Intervention by the CAT on this issue, AIP believes, is misplaced and unjust,” he said. Calling the move politically motivated, AIP warned against weakening the linguistic foundations of governance under the guise of inclusivity. He urged the LG administration and JKSSB to uphold the constitutional and administrative relevance of Urdu.