In one of its most consequential decisions of the year, the Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new Reservation Policy for the Union Territory, paving the way for a substantial enhancement of Open Merit seats in Government jobs and professional institutions.
The revised policy formulated on the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) has now been forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval, sources told news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC this morning.
According to official sources, the Cabinet agreed to reduce reservation in two major categories, EWS quota lowered from 10% to 3% (–7%). RBA quota lowered from 10% to 7% (–3%)
If approved by the LG, this adjustment is expected to raise the Open Merit share to 40% in direct quota and around 50% in vertical reservation, up from the previous 30%.
Sources attribute the rationalisation partly to the exclusion of Ladakh formerly a part of J&K which had previously justified a higher RBA share.
The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and convened for nearly 90 minutes, cleared several key proposals, including, Creation of the Animal Protection Board. Promotions and service-related decisions for R&B Department officer cadre. Financial support to boost Cooperative Societies, particularly in livestock and fisheries sectors. Inclusion of Ahangar and Waghey/Chopan communities in the OBC category.
The meeting considered 22 agenda items, most of which were cleared. All decisions will take effect once LG Sinha grants approval.
Meanwhile, as earlier reported while Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Government had taken a “balanced, fair, and transparent” approach.
“We have rationalized the Reservation Policy in the best possible manner and kept our election promise. Our effort was to ensure justice to all sections without disadvantaging any group,” he said.
Omar refrained from announcing exact percentages, stating that details would be released only after the LG’s approval and final rules are notified.
He added that the subject required extensive scrutiny,
“This is the third or fourth time the file came to the Cabinet after the Sub-Committee report. Every point was reviewed multiple times.”
Reservation Structure Before Revision, Currently, J&K has, ST-I / ST-II / RBA / EWS: 10% each. SC: 8%, OBC: 8%, ALC/IB: 4%, Horizontal reservations: 10% (Ex-servicemen 6%, PwDs 4%), With EWS and RBA reductions, the Open Merit share is expected to expand significantly.
The Cabinet also deliberated on the long-pending regularisation and service concerns of daily wagers. The Chief Secretary has been directed to submit a comprehensive proposal at the earliest.
The final shape of the Reservation Policy and the exact impact on Open Merit candidates will be clear once LG Manoj Sinha examines and approves the Cabinet recommendations.
On December 10 last year, the government had constituted a cabinet sub-committee to look into grievances raised by various sections of aspirants against the existing reservation policy in the UT. The sub-committee forwarded its report in October, and accordingly, the report and its review by the law department were completed.
National Conference's Member Parliament from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi had recently asked the National Conference-led government in the UT to resolve the reservation issue before the winter session of Parliament ends, saying he would join the quota protests if no action was taken.
The new reservation policy was introduced by the lieutenant governor-led administration before the 2024 assembly elections. For the reserved categories, the reservation has gone up to 70% and in some cases up to 80%. (KNC)
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