J&K Bank faces criticism over new reservation policy implementation

Jammu and Kashmir Bank has initiated a major recruitment drive to fill 1,400 positions, comprising 323 probationary officer posts and 1,033 banking associate roles, under a newly implemented reservation framework. The decision has triggered considerable debate among stakeholders regarding the policy's implications and the process through which it was adopted.

The revised reservation policy was previously advocated by R.K. Chhibber, who served as the bank's former chairman. Chhibber, who also holds trustee responsibilities in other institutional settings, has been associated with pushing for the policy's adoption within the bank's organizational structure.

Critics have raised concerns about the timing and implementation of the policy, questioning whether adequate consultation occurred with relevant stakeholders before its rollout. The scale of the recruitment—involving positions across multiple job categories—means the policy will have a substantial impact on the bank's workforce composition and future hiring practices.

The bank has not yet issued a detailed public statement addressing the concerns raised by various groups. As one of the region's significant financial institutions, J&K Bank's employment practices continue to draw attention from civil society observers and employee unions alike.