Says, Report to be Presented to Cabinet for Approval
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD) Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced on Tuesday that the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to address the ongoing reservations issue in Jammu and Kashmir has completed its task and finalized its report within the six-month timeframe set for the examination. The report will now be presented to the Cabinet at its next meeting.
Minister Itoo, sharing the development on X, stated, “The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations has drafted its report within the stipulated timeframe. The report will be placed before the Cabinet when it convenes.”
The reservation controversy in Jammu and Kashmir intensified following the 2023 amendments to the Reservation Act, which granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to several communities, including Paharis, Padaris, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins. While the government hailed this move as historic, it sparked widespread protests, particularly from students and opposition parties. Critics, including MP Aga Ruhullah and several student groups, accused the government of undermining merit and sidelining genuinely deserving candidates.
The controversy deepened after the NEET-PG 2024 and JKCCE 2023 results, which saw a notable decrease in open merit selections. This raised concerns that the Open Merit quota had been reduced beyond the 50% limit set by the Supreme Court, leading to protests in colleges and on public platforms.
The situation prompted a petition in the J&K High Court, challenging the new reservation structure as unconstitutional. In response, the government formed the Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Minister Sakina Itoo, to engage with stakeholders and review the revised quota system. The finalized report now awaits the Cabinet’s review.(DD)