Sub-panel working to address reservation concerns: Minister

Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday said that a sub-committee formed by the government to address the quota issue has started its work and will ensure that everyone’s concerns are heard and addressed.

“A panel has been formed by the government, and we have started the work. We will hold consultations with different groups and listen to everyone’s concerns,” Rana, a member of the panel, told The Tribune.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government had earlier announced the formation of a three-member sub-committee to address the changes made to the reservation policy earlier this year by the Union Territory administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The administration had granted an additional 10 percent reservation to the Pahari community, raising the total reserved seats for various categories to 60 percent, leaving only 40 percent for candidates from the general category. This move sparked protests, particularly from students.

Rana assured that discussions will be held with all stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are taken into account. “The sub-committee will take all necessary steps within its purview to address the issue and ensure that everyone is satisfied,” he said.

The issue of reservation intensified in the Valley after a large-scale protest was held outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Srinagar earlier this week, led by National Conference (NC) MP Ruhullah Mehdi.

The demonstration also saw participation from leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Awami Ittehad Party. The protesters demanded revisions to the reservation policy, arguing that it adversely impacts general category aspirants.

Students have also called for the government to pause the recruitment process until the committee submits its report.

Vikas Amin, a member of the open merit student delegation, said during their meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, they urged the government to release an official statement.

“We demanded the release of an official statement regarding the Chief Minister’s commitment to resolving the reservation issue within six months. He agreed and assured us that a statement would be issued. MP Ruhullah Mehdi also gave similar assurances. However, despite these promises, no official statement has been made,” Amin said.