Srinagar, Jun 16 (IANS): In a major move on Monday, the J&K Administrative Council decided that no appointments will be made under SRO-202, while the probation period for old appointees under the SRO has also been reduced to two years from five years.

This was informed by J&K government spokesperson Rohit Kansal informed in a tweet.

"Administrative council chaired by LG Sh. G C Murmu takes historic decision. No fresh appointments under SRO-202. Probation period of old appointees under SRO-202 reduced from 5 years to 2 years. Massive step towards employee welfare," Kansal said.

According to the SRO-202 introduced in 2015 during the PDP-BJP government, a new recruit had to complete five years' probation getting entitled to pay applicable against the post appointed.

Complimenting LG G.C. Murmu for the move, Union Minister of State Jatindra Singh tweeted, "LG Jammu and Kashmir Sh Murmu just now called up to convey that as suggested to him, SRO202 will not be indicated in new recruitment rules and for the existing appointees under SRO202, the probation period has been reduced to two years. Must compliment him for prompt response."

Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: "SRO202 was a disaster when it was announced by the previous alliance government & I'm amazed it took the administration this long to scrap it. Now scrap it completely and do away with the 2 year probation provision for existing employees."