Ladakh LG scraps rule barring employees from graduate-level posts

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has removed a rule that barred government employees from applying to graduate-level posts if they were initially appointed to positions requiring lower qualifications, even when they held higher degrees. The order has come into immediate effect, according to a press statement.

Earlier, candidates who secured government jobs based on Class 10 or Class 12 qualifications were required to submit an affidavit declaring they did not possess higher degrees, effectively disqualifying them from future graduate-level recruitment.

Saxena termed the provision “unjustified” and “restrictive,” stating that it curtailed employees’ right to seek suitable career opportunities.

The decision is expected to benefit thousands of youth in Ladakh working in roles such as Orderly and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS), who were previously ineligible to appear for graduate-level examinations.

Officials said the move followed multiple representations received by the Lieutenant Governor’s office from affected employees.

After reviewing the matter, the administration found that the restriction hindered career progression, particularly in regions like Ladakh where government employment is a key source of livelihood.

The order clarifies that all existing employees, including those who had earlier submitted affidavits declaring non-possession of higher qualifications, will now be eligible to apply for graduate-level posts, subject to other prescribed conditions.