Srinagar, July 20, KDC: The Jammu Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) organized a discussion on the recent reservation policies and their impact on open merit candidates.
In a statement news agency Kashmir Dot Com they said “A galaxy of intellectuals was present at the discussion. Participants raised their concerns about the new reservation policies, stating that on March 15, the Jammu & Kashmir administration approved a 10% reservation for newly-included tribes, including Paharis, in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. This reservation is carved out of the general/open merit quota, reducing it to just 30%. Additionally, the administration approved the inclusion of 15 new castes in the OBC category and an enhancement of the OBC reservation to 8%.”
“The bill, previously cleared by the Lok Sabha on March 6, seeks to empower various communities such as the Pahari Ethnic Group, Padari Tribes, Koli and Gadda Brahmin by providing Scheduled Tribe status. This move aims to provide these communities with reservations in government jobs, promotions and educational institutions, fulfilling a long-standing demand.” It said.
They further said historically, Jammu & Kashmir had 8% reservation for SCs, 10% for STs, 4% for OBCs, 4% for residents along the Line of Actual Control/International Border, 10% for Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The government assures that the inclusion of new communities in the ST list will not affect the existing reservations for Gujjars and Bakarwals, who will continue to receive their allocated reservations.
“Participants said that the new reservation policy has raised significant concerns among individuals in the open merit category within the union territory. They argue that the reduction in the open merit quota diminishes their opportunities for securing government jobs and educational placements. The allocation now stands at 40% for open merit candidates, with only 30% effectively available after considering horizontal reservations, Participants discussed.”
They further discussed that the reduction from a 50% to a 30% open merit quota is perceived as a significant disadvantage to the general category population, which comprises 69% of Jammu & Kashmir’s population according to the 2011 census. This shift has led to widespread apprehension and discontent, as many believe that their chances of success in competitive exams and job placements are now severely compromised, they said.
Students and job aspirants who were present at the discussion also voiced their concerns, emphasizing that the policy disrupts the merit-based system, where opportunities should be awarded based on skills and abilities rather than categorical advantages. They believe that the current policy undermines the principles of fairness and equity.
The Jammu Kashmir Civil Society calls for a reconsideration of the reservation policy to ensure that the aspirations of open merit candidates are not compromised. They urge the government to maintain a fair and equitable system that balances the needs of all communities while upholding the integrity of merit-based opportunities, the statement added. (KDC)
