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| Omar announces reservation for Paharis, creates flutters among Congress leaders | | | Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Aug 16: There seems to be no end to the differences between National Conference and Congress, partners in the present coalition dispensation in the state. The latest controversy has been generated over the announcement made by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah at Bakshi stadium here on the occasion of Independence Day.
Omar announced that five percent reservation would be given to Pahari speaking people of the state. He also said that the State Government would take up the issue of granting the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category to the Pahari speaking people with the Central Government led by Narendra Modi.
No sooner had Omar made the announcement he was countered by President, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Professor Saif-ud-Din Soz. Prof. Soz said that the decision about the reservation is a policy decision and the same has to be taken by the Cabinet. He said the coordination committee should have met before taking a final decision on the issue.
Sources said that the issue of granting reservation to Pahari speaking people along with the other sections of society is pending for a long time now with the Cabinet. They said that consensus has been lacking with the coalition partners on this issue and at times differences have come to the fore.
"Given the differences between the coalition partners it is quite possible that the Cabinet may not meet in the immediate future. The Cabinet can meet only when both two sides are ready to mend their fences. This seems to be a distant reality as of now and it was due to this reason that Omar made announcement about reservation in a hush hush manner," said sources.
It would be in place to mention here that Prof. Soz took on Omar when the State Government announced the enhancement of retirement age in favour of the Government employees from 58 to 60 years. He said that Omar has no justification to take credit for the step since the same was done after prolonged insistence of Congress party.
Omar made a history of sorts when he talked to media persons at the conclusion of the Independence Day function at Bakshi stadium. It was for the first time that a Chief Minister spoke to media persons on the sidelines of the official function held in connection with the Independence Day.
"The Chief Minister is desperate enough to take measures so that there is some face saving during the Assembly elections. He would go to any extent in this regard and one should not be surprised. There are chances that Government may fall any time and it is due to this reason that Omar wants to speed up the damage control exercises," said sources.
Meanwhile, Prof. Soz has said the package for refugees, reservation for Paharis, OBCs including Jats and several other matters were not only indicated in the Congress party's manifesto; but these proposals are already with the Cabinet.
"Congress party wants to enhance honorarium to Sarpanchs, Panchs and Numberdars. Several other public welfare measures have already been identified before the Cabinet, but no decision has been taken so far," said Prof. Soz. He urged the Chief Minister to call a meeting of the Cabinet as early as possible and thrash out these issues. |
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