The reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir is at a pivotal moment, with profound
implications for the region’s youth and their future opportunities. The active participation of influential political leaders such as Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Waheed Ur Rehman Para underscores the urgency of addressing the growing
discontent surrounding the current framework, RAMIZ BHAT
Ramiz Bhat
The reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has become a deeply contentious issue, sparking widespread debates and protest outside the CM’s residence. Prominent political figures, including National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para, have actively joined the protest. The protest, heavily supported by students, reflect growing concerns that the current reservation framework is unfairly skewed against open merit candidates, potentially undermining meritocracy and equitable access to opportunities.
In India, the reservation system was initially conceived to address systemic discrimination and promote socio-economic upliftment among marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The aim was to bridge societal gaps by reserving seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these communities. In J&K, however, the reservation policies have taken a unique trajectory due to the region’s distinct demographic composition and political sensitivities. While the system was initially implemented with a vision of promoting inclusivity and uplifting underrepresented groups, recent amendments have drastically altered the reservation framework, causing significant concern among various segments of society.
One of the most debated changes in the policy has been the introduction of a 10% reservation for the Pahari community, combined with an increase in OBC reservations to 8%. These adjustments have collectively raised the total reservation quota to nearly 70%, leaving only 30% of opportunities available for open merit candidates. This shift has triggered widespread discontent, particularly among students and critics who argue that such a large reserved quota encroaches on the already limited opportunities for general category candidates. Many believe that this imbalance compromises merit-based selection processes and could ultimately undermine the principle of equal access to opportunities for all.
The dramatic increase in reservations has sparked intense protests, especially among students who aspire to pursue higher education and secure government employment. The discontent reached a boiling point when NC leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi led a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence, expressing solidarity with open merit students. Mehdi emphasized that while reservations are crucial for achieving social equity, they should not come at the cost of meritocracy. He argued that if merit-based opportunities are diminished, it could jeopardize the future of deserving candidates from the general category. Similarly, PDP leader Waheed Ur Rehman Para has actively participated in these protests, calling for a more balanced and fair approach to reservation policies. Para has urged the government to conduct a time-bound review of the policy to ensure that open merit students are not sidelined. His involvement highlights the bipartisan nature of the concern surrounding the reservation system and its potential negative impact on the youth of J&K.
The current reservation framework has far-reaching implications for open merit students. With 70% of seats now reserved for various categories, the competition for the remaining 30% has become extremely intense. As a result, students with exceptional academic achievements are finding it increasingly difficult to secure admission or employment in their desired fields. This situation has caused considerable frustration, as many hardworking and academically successful students feel that their efforts are not being fairly rewarded. Critics argue that this growing disparity between reserved and open merit seats not only demoralizes students but also raises questions about the efficiency and fairness of the selection process. Moreover, there are concerns that such a system may unintentionally foster dependency among marginalized communities, rather than empowering them to compete on equal terms. By allocating the majority of opportunities to reserved categories, the system risks diminishing the motivation for academic and professional excellence, which could ultimately lower the overall quality of candidates across various sectors.
In response to the growing public dissatisfaction, the Chief Minister of J&K has pledged to review the reservation policy within six months. This assurance signals the government’s willingness to engage with stakeholders and consider adjustments to create a more balanced framework. The government aims to develop a policy that protects the principles of affirmative action while also addressing the concerns of open merit students. The review process will be critical in navigating the complexities of balancing social equity with meritocracy. A transparent, inclusive, and consultative approach will be necessary to ensure that the revised policy reflects the aspirations of all communities and promotes fairness and justice.
The reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir is at a pivotal moment, with profound implications for the region’s youth and their future opportunities. The active participation of influential political leaders such as Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Waheed Ur Rehman Para underscores the urgency of addressing the growing discontent surrounding the current framework. As the government prepares to undertake a comprehensive review, it faces the delicate challenge of ensuring social justice while safeguarding merit-based opportunities. Striking this balance will be crucial in shaping a policy that respects the aspirations of all students and paves the way for an equitable and progressive future for J&K.
The author can be reached at ramizspeaks77@gmail.com
