J&K Good News for Special Police Officers (SPO)

15 percent horizontal reservation for the posts of constables, advertised for direct recruitment, has been earmarked for SPO, the government reiterated on Wednesday.

Responding to written query by a member in legislative assembly regarding the steps initiated for the regularization of Special Police Officers (SPOs) in the state, the government said that it had formulated a comprehensive policy for regularization of services of SPOs in the year 2009, which envisages absorption of SPOs with three year s of minimum engagement, as followers and constables.

It said SPOs are appointed as constables or followers on the basis of their excellent performance in counter-insurgency operation to the extent of 15% of available vacancies.”

It according to GNS said appointment of SPOs, who have excelled in sports and won 1st, 2nd or 3rd position in individual or team events at the state or national level, as constables or followers.

It said SPOs who have ITI diploma in different trades or AICTE recognized diploma in computers subject to their qualifying in a trade test are eligible as followers.

“There is no age limit and / or requirement of educational qualification for appointment of SPOs as followers.”

Further SPOs who have crossed the age limit of 28 years but are within 37 year of age and have completed three years engagement are also eligible to apply for appointment to the post of constable or follower. “15% horizontal reservations for the posts of constables, advertised for direct recruitment, have been earmarked for such SPO, as per Government directives.’

One SPO of District Doda has been absorbed as follower on operational grounds during last two years, it said.

“In view of concerns relating to the security, it is not considered appropriate to share the particulars of SPOs engaged during last two years in District Doda. However, such details if the Member, so desires, can be made available for his perusal.”  (GNS)