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| Debate intensifies over reservation quota | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 23: With the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee by the Cabinet on Friday, the issue of reservation has sparked a heated debate as the reservation quota in the Union Territory edges close to 60 percent, raising questions about the fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability of the existing policy framework.
The contentious matter has become a focal point in political and social discourse, with various communities voicing their opinions on the allocation and expansion of quotas.
Currently, Jammu and Kashmir provides reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Pahari-speaking people, and several other categories including Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Residents of Border Areas.
The cumulative reservation has inched toward the 60 percent mark, a threshold that has long been considered the constitutional upper limit for reservation in India as per Supreme Court rulings.
This near-saturation of the quota has raised concerns among some sections of society about the potential dilution of merit-based opportunities, while others argue that the reservations are essential to address historical injustices and ensure socio-economic upliftment for marginalized groups.
The debate has also been fueled by fresh demands for inclusion or enhanced quotas from various communities. The Pahari-speaking people, who currently enjoy a specific reservation percentage, are seeking additional benefits, citing their socio-economic challenges. Similarly, Gujjars and Bakerwals, who are categorized as Scheduled Tribe Reservations in Jammu and Kashmir include:
Scheduled Castes (SC): 8%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 10%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 8%
Residents of Backward Areas (RBA): 10%
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
People living along the Line of Actual Control/Inter national Border: 4%
Paharis and other tribes: 10%
On the other hand, certain upper-caste groups and economically weaker sections have expressed reservations about what they perceive as an overreach in the reservation system, arguing for a balance between affirmative action and meritocracy.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has further intensified the debate. Major regional parties such as the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have called for a comprehensive review of the reservation policy to ensure that it aligns with the changing socio-economic realities of the Union Territory.
Union Territory administration officials have remained non-committal, stating that the current reservation system is under regular review to maintain its constitutional validity and effectiveness.
The 50 percent cap on reservations set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney judgment remains a critical factor in this debate. While certain states, such as Tamil Nadu, have exceeded this limit with specific legislative provisions, such exceptions have often led to prolonged legal battles.
In Jammu and Kashmir, experts warn that breaching the 60 percent ceiling without robust legal backing could invite challenges in court, potentially destabilizing the current reservation structure.
As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a “holistic review” of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir. Advocacy groups suggest the need for data-driven decisions, including a fresh socio-economic survey to assess the actual needs of various communities. |
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