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, in a statement issued here, said 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, “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.”The spokesperson said Urdu is a recognised language in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India and has remained the official language in Jammu and Kashmir both before and after 1947. “Entire revenue records in J&K and Ladakh are maintained in Urdu. Therefore, making Urdu a compulsory paper in qualifying tests for recruitment in the revenue department is logically and practically a basic, valid and necessary criterion,” he said. Sidelining this requirement is not in the interest of justice or sound administration but is adverse to both, Inam said, adding, “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.”Calling the move politically motivated, AIP warned against weakening the linguistic foundations of governance under the guise of inclusivity. “Despite being recognised in the J&K Official Languages Act, 2020, Urdu is being unfairly sidelined,” he said.The AIP spokesperson urged the Lieutenant Governor-led administration and JKSSB to uphold the constitutional and administrative relevance of Urdu, saying, “Urdu is not a barrier; it’s a binding force of our identity, our culture and our governance.”
