JAMMU, August 14, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to constitute a Departmental Committee to review the Appointment of Outstanding Sports Persons Rules, commonly referred to as S.O. 12 of 2022, read with S.O. 412 of 2023.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports said the proposed committee will examine the existing provisions of the rules, issues arising during their practical implementation and suggestions and representations received from various stakeholders.
The committee will subsequently submit appropriate recommendations in accordance with the law, with the government stating that the broader objective of the exercise is to ensure fairness, transparency and merit in the appointment of outstanding sportspersons.
The government has also clarified that the review will be prospective in nature and will not, by itself, cast any aspersion on sportspersons who have already been selected under the rules applicable to them at the relevant time.
Government Takes Note of Sportspersons’ Grievances
The decision follows concerns and representations received by the Youth Services and Sports Department regarding the existing appointment framework.
According to the department, Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology Satish Sharma had heard the grievances of several sportspersons on June 24, 2026.
Following the interaction, a delegation of senior government officers met protesting sportspersons and took detailed note of their concerns.
The department maintained that S.O. 12 of 2022 has remained in force for several years and that appointments made under the framework were processed according to the rules, amendments and instructions applicable at the relevant time.
At the same time, the government said it recognises the need to examine genuine concerns raised by stakeholders and address them through a fair and transparent mechanism.
Grievances to Be Examined on Merit
The Youth Services and Sports Department said all grievances and representations relating to the selection process will be examined objectively in accordance with applicable rules and established procedures.
The department assured that genuine grievances would not be ignored and that every case would be considered on its individual facts and merits.
It also clarified that examination of a grievance would not automatically amount to acceptance of an allegation or establish any irregularity. Any action, wherever required, would be taken only after proper examination and verification.
The government reiterated that the rights of all candidates would be protected while ensuring that the integrity of the selection process is not compromised.
Transfer Policy Also Under Review
Apart from the appointment rules for outstanding sportspersons, the department said it would also undertake a review of the existing stay position of employees in the Youth Services and Sports Department.
The exercise is aimed at ensuring strict and uniform implementation of the applicable Transfer Policy, while taking into account administrative requirements, prescribed norms and legitimate exemptions provided under the policy.
The government said the exercise would be conducted objectively and in accordance with the applicable rules.
Focus on Transparency and Rule of Law
The J&K Government reiterated that its objective is to strengthen fairness, transparency, accountability and adherence to the rule of law, while protecting the legitimate interests of all stakeholders.
The department has also appealed to sportspersons and other concerned parties to submit factual and verifiable information before the competent authorities and refrain from drawing conclusions or making allegations until the prescribed review and examination processes are completed.
The proposed departmental review of S.O. 12 of 2022 could therefore provide an opportunity to examine the existing framework for outstanding sportsperson appointments and address concerns relating to its implementation while maintaining the validity of selections already made under the applicable rules.
