Srinagar, Mar 15 : Amid controversy over the absence of a clear deadline for the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified on Saturday that the panel has been allotted six months to finalize its report.
The clarification came in response to concerns raised by National Conference MP Ruhullah Mehdi and others, following Abdullah’s meeting with job aspirants who highlighted grievances over the existing reservation framework.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), as per The Web Story/The Varmul Post, Abdullah stated:
“The Cabinet Sub-Committee examining the complexities of reservation in recruitment has been given a six-month timeline to submit its report. This deadline was determined after I met with a group of concerned job aspirants. While the timeline was omitted in the initial order, this oversight will be rectified. Rest assured, the committee remains committed to completing its task within the stipulated period.”
Mehdi had earlier questioned whether the absence of a deadline in official communications was an administrative error or an attempt to mislead applicants. He warned of political repercussions if the government failed to uphold its assurances to students.
Meanwhile, Peoples Conference chief and MLA Sajad Gani Lone cited data alleging regional disparities in reservation certificates, claiming over 90% were issued in Jammu compared to Kashmir. He accused the system of being skewed against Kashmiri-speaking communities, particularly in Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories.
Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, also raised concerns on social media:
“Where is the six-month sub-committee report? Where are the actionable points on reservations promised for February? Why are meeting minutes undisclosed? Is this review a tactic to dilute rightful representation? The public demands transparency, not backroom deals.”
In December 2023, student protests gained traction after being joined by political leaders across party lines, including Baramulla Lok Sabha member Sheikh Abdul Rashid (alias Engineer Rashid), PDP leaders Waheed Para and Iltija Mufti, and members of the ruling NC.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah later met representatives of the Open Merit Students Association to address their concerns.
