Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) has clarified the rules governing recruitment of outstanding sportspersons under the Sports Quota, refuting what it termed as misleading reports and allegations circulated through various media and social media platforms regarding the implementation of S.O. 12 of 2022 and the recognition of Pencak Silat and Kayaking & Canoeing (Dragon Boat).
In a detailed statement, the Council said appointments under the Sports Quota are governed entirely by statutory rules and Government orders, including SRO-349 of 1998, SRO-376 of 2004, S.O. 149 of 2021, S.O. 12 of 2022 and S.O. 412 of 2023. It said these provisions lay down the recognised sports disciplines, eligibility conditions, assessment criteria and selection mechanism, leaving no scope for arbitrary decision-making.
The Council clarified that it functions only as an implementing agency of the Government and that recruitment is carried out through a High-Powered Selection Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, with applications undergoing scrutiny, verification of achievements and examination under the prescribed rules before selection.
Rejecting claims questioning the recognition of Pencak Silat, the Council said the discipline has been recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports since 2017 and is governed internationally by PERSILAT. It added that the sport features in the Asian Games, National Games, Khelo India, All India Inter-University Championships and is also recognised for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons in Central Government departments.
The Council said that in Jammu and Kashmir, baseball, netball, Pencak Silat, triathlon and ice hockey were included for sports quota appointments through S.O. 149 of 2021, read with SRO-376 of 2004, and were subsequently incorporated at Serial Nos. 40 to 44 of Annexure-I of S.O. 12 of 2022, read with S.O. 412 of 2023. It noted that Rule 7(i) of S.O. 12 provides that sports achievements within the five-year consideration period are to be counted.
It also clarified that Dragon Boat is a recognised event under Kayaking & Canoeing as per communications issued by the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the International Canoe Federation.
Appealing to media organisations and the public to rely on official notifications and verified information, the Council said misinformation could undermine public confidence and affect the morale of genuine sportspersons.