Srinagar, July 20: The Jammu Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) discussed recent reservation policies impacting open merit candidates. Intellectuals expressed concerns over the Jammu & Kashmir administration’s March 15 approval of a 10% reservation for newly included tribes, such as Paharis, in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, reducing the general merit quota to 30%. Including 15 new castes in the OBC category and increasing OBC reservations to 8% were also discussed.
The bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on March 6, aims to empower communities like the Pahari Ethnic Group and Padari Tribes by granting them ST status for jobs, promotions, and educational reservations. Historically, Jammu & Kashmir had 8% reservation for SCs, 10% for STs, 4% for OBCs, and other specific groups. The government assures existing reservations for Gujjars and Bakarwals remain unaffected.
Participants highlighted the reduction of the open merit quota from 50% to 30%, impacting 69% of the population, leading to discontent and fears of diminished opportunities in government jobs and education. Students and job aspirants criticized the policy for undermining merit-based opportunities and fairness. JKCS calls for a reconsideration of the policy to ensure fair opportunities for open-merit candidates while balancing community needs.
PR
