Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena scrapped the rule barring overqualified staff from applying to higher government posts in Ladakh, and the order comes into effect immediately . The move removes the affidavit condition that forced many appointed on 10th or 12th grade qualifications to declare they did not hold graduate or higher degrees.
The old rule required candidates in lower-tier posts — like Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) and orderlies — to submit a non-possession affidavit stating they had no graduate or higher qualification. That affidavit effectively disqualified educated employees from contesting graduate-level vacancies and promotions.
Why the Ladakh overqualified staff rule scrapped matters
The Lieutenant Governor called the previous requirement unjustified and restrictive after receiving multiple appeals from affected staff. By removing the affidavit barrier, the administration aims to prioritise merit and recognized education for career progression in the public sector.
Immediate impact and who becomes eligible
All existing employees, including those who had already submitted non-possession affidavits, are now eligible to appear for graduate-level examinations and recruitment drives. This change applies to staff appointed on 10th or 12th grade qualifications who were earlier restricted from applying for higher posts.
A small table of the key date:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| LG order effective | Immediate effect |
Officials say the reform is expected to benefit thousands of young professionals across Ladakh. Specific numerical counts, department-wise lists, and procedural steps for previously affidavit-submitted staff will be issued by the administration through formal notifications.
What the decision changes in practice
Employees no longer face automatic disqualification solely for holding higher qualifications than the post for which they were originally appointed. Promotions and recruitment to graduate-level posts should now be driven by merit and education credentials rather than past affidavit declarations.
The order was prompted by staff appeals and comes from the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Details on timelines for exams, updated recruitment notifications, and departmental implementation will be released by the relevant authorities.