In a statement, National Convenor Nasir Khuehami said the groundbreaking report presents a critical analysis of the existing reservation framework, exposing structural inconsistencies and long-standing social inequities. It also offers pragmatic and actionable recommendations for a fairer, more inclusive system.
“This report is not just a critique; it is a roadmap. It traces the evolution of reservation trends in J&K, compares them with national and international benchmarks, and highlights glaring disparities that have continued to marginalize large sections of our society,” Khuehami stated. “There is an urgent need for policy reforms rooted in equity, social justice, and constitutional morality.”
A 12-member expert committee, chaired by Association President Ummar Jamal, led the preparation of the report. The panel includes Faizaan Peer, Danish Lone, Farhat Riyaz, Osheeba Bashir, Adnan Malik, Nazia Israr, Dr. Adil Hussain, Sadiya Farooq Masoodi, Krishna Saproo, Azhar Hassan Mir, Muzamil Ahmad Reshi, and Aamir Akbar — representing a wide spectrum of academic, legal, and policy expertise.
“We are not against reservations,” Khuehami clarified. “Our fight is against a flawed, disproportionate system that has failed to benefit the genuinely deserving and has unfairly sidelined meritorious candidates. We are advocating for a just, balanced framework that ensures both upliftment and meritocracy.”
Association plans to formally submit the report to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his advisor Nasir Sogami, the members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, the Speaker of the J&K Assembly, and other key lawmakers and policymakers. The Association will also engage civil society organizations, academic institutions, and student bodies to build a broad consensus for reform, he said.
To ensure all voices are heard, JKSA will compile a follow-up white paper incorporating feedback from stakeholders including students, teachers, community leaders, and policy experts. The outreach will include physical meetings, digital town halls, and written submissions to promote inclusive dialogue, he added.
“This must be a people-centric reform process,” said JKSA President Ummar Jamal. “No voice should be left unheard. We are committed to reaching every section of society to build a unified call for a rational, transparent, and equitable reservation policy.”
With this initiative, JKSA is challenging systemic flaws while presenting a constructive path forward. “Social justice cannot be selective,” said Jamal. “A truly progressive society must uplift the disadvantaged while also honouring merit. We urge the political leadership to rise above vote-bank politics and initiate an honest, inclusive, and transparent review of the existing reservation framework.”
The Association has also called for a temporary slowdown in ongoing recruitment drives in J&K until anomalies in the reservation structure are addressed. “We are not calling for a complete halt,” Jamal said. “But continuing recruitment under a flawed system risks grave injustice to open-merit candidates. A temporary pause will allow time to fix these deep-rooted issues and restore fairness.” (KDC)
