Reservation policy comes under spotlight after Assembly debate

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

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.

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.