The Jammu Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) convened a critical discussion on the recent reservation policies and their impact on open merit candidates.
Prominent social activist and national TV debater Inam Un Nabi raised concerns about the new reservation policies. The primary focus was on the 10% reservation for newly-included tribes such as the Paharis within the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, which has reduced the general/open merit quota to 30%. The discussion also scrutinized the inclusion of 15 new castes in the OBC category and the enhancement of OBC reservation to 8%.
On March 15, the Jammu & Kashmir administration approved these reservations, following the bill's clearance by the Lok Sabha on March 6. This bill aims to empower communities like the Pahari Ethnic Group, Padari Tribes, Koli, and Gadda Brahmin by granting them Scheduled Tribe status, thereby providing reservations in government jobs, promotions, and educational institutions.
Historically, Jammu & Kashmir had specific reservation percentages: 8% for SCs, 10% for STs, 4% for OBCs, 4% for residents along the Line of Actual Control/International Border, 10% for Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The government assured that existing reservations for Gujjars and Bakarwals would remain unchanged.
Inam Un Nabi voiced significant concerns about the reduction in the open merit quota from 50% to 30%. He argued that this shift disproportionately affects the general category population, which represents 69% of Jammu & Kashmir's population according to the 2011 census. This change has led to widespread apprehension among individuals pursuing competitive exams and job placements.
Furthermore, Inam Un Nabi criticized the policy for disrupting the merit-based system, emphasizing that opportunities should be awarded based on individual skills and abilities rather than categorical advantages. He believes the current policy undermines principles of fairness and equity.
The Jammu Kashmir Civil Society, through Inam Un Nabi, has called for a reconsideration of the reservation policy. They urge the government to ensure a fair and equitable system that balances the needs of all communities while preserving the integrity of merit-based opportunities.
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