Recruitment rules finalized for J&K Disputes Redressal Commissions

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has enacted new regulations titled the Jammu and Kashmir Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (Non-Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2024.
These rules, issued under the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution of India, read with sections 33, 46, and 102 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, have been formally introduced by the Lieutenant Governor and will come into effect from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.
Under these new rules, the Jammu and Kashmir Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions (Non-Gazetted) Service has been constituted, regulating the recruitment and management of personnel for various posts in the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions across the Union Territory.
The rules define key terms such as "Administrative Department," which refers to the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and outline the structure and cadre of the service. These regulations apply to individuals appointed to any post within the commission’s service and cover permanent positions that carry a definite time scale, as sanctioned by the competent authority.
The government will determine the strength and composition of the service’s cadre, both permanent and temporary, as specified in Schedule I annexed to these rules. These posts can be subject to periodic reviews, with the government retaining the authority to re-examine the strength and composition every five years or whenever deemed necessary. The service will include personnel appointed through direct recruitment, promotion, or deputation, with specific qualifications and methods of recruitment detailed in Schedule-II.
For appointments made by direct recruitment, the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) will oversee the process, ensuring compliance with the government's rules and orders. Promotions will be conducted by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) of the J&K Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions. Moreover, the rules also specify that reservations will be provided for eligible categories in accordance with the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.
Individuals appointed through competitive examinations will be required to undergo prescribed training during their probationary period, along with passing departmental examinations. In certain cases, exemptions may be granted to those who have already completed equivalent training or examinations, as recognized by the government.
For government servants applying for direct recruitment, the rules allow them to do so through the proper channel, provide they meet the educational and other qualifications required for the post.
The seniority of members of the service will be governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1956, with the Disciplinary Authority—the President of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission—responsible for maintaining an up-to-date seniority list. Matters not explicitly covered by these rules will be regulated by the general rules applicable to the civil service of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Finally, the rules also clarify that any questions regarding their interpretation will be resolved by the Administrative Department, whose decision will be final and binding. All prior rules concerning the recruitment of non-gazetted personnel for the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions are hereby repealed.
However, any appointments or orders made under the previous rules will be considered valid and continue to remain in force under these newly introduced regulations.