Reservation policy comes under spotlight after Assembly debate

The details of reservation certificates issued to members of the SC/ST, OBC, and other categories, recently disclosed by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Legislative Assembly, have reignited the debate over the reservation policy in the Union Territory. Experts believe the issue will remain “contentious” due to the multiple interests involved.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the sub-committee formed to review the reservation policy would submit its report within six months. This statement came after the government informed the Assembly that no deadline had been set for the sub-committee’s report submission.

The Cabinet sub-committee was established last year to address grievances regarding the current reservation policy in the UT.

In 2024, the UT administration, under Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, granted 10% reservation to the Pahari community, increasing the total reserved seats for various categories to 60%, leaving only 40% for general category candidates in government jobs.

The controversy deepened when details of reservation certificates issued to SC/ST, OBC, and other categories were presented in the Assembly. People’s Conference (PC) chief and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone alleged that the data exposed systemic bias against the Kashmiri-speaking population, including ST and EWS communities.

Srinagar-based political expert Prof Noor Baba stated that the issue would remain contentious due to the conflicting interests of various groups. “It is a complex matter, but the government has already formed a committee to study it. Let’s wait and see how they balance the situation,” he said.

Baba also emphasised that reversing or altering reservation policies is “difficult and complex,” and the challenge for the elected government will be to strike a balance. “This has already become a political issue and will continue to be one. Even if it becomes dormant at times, it will remain significant due to the presence of aggrieved parties.”

As the debate intensifies amid the ongoing Budget session, job aspirants are demanding a halt to recruitments until the Cabinet sub-committee submits its report. Sahil Parray, a job seeker, said that students are eagerly awaiting the report and hope the government will ensure fair representation for open merit candidates, who they believe are facing injustice.

Parray also pointed out that the government had supported the issue and included it in its manifesto, promising to address the concerns. “After Saturday’s revelations in the J&K Assembly, the issue has gained momentum. The data presented highlights an existing imbalance—everyone is shocked,” he said.

Another aspirant, Yasir Shakoor, urged the government to suspend all recruitment processes until the sub-committee finalises its report and rationalises the reservation policy. He suggested that regional reservations should be implemented to ensure fairness for all areas and categories.