Mediocrity over Merit’ Row Over Reservation Policy Sparks Protests in Srinagar
Srinagar, Dec 23, KNT: The reservation policy introduced in Jammu and Kashmir earlier this year sparked a protest on Monday, with students and political leaders rallying against what they call an unfair and discriminatory system.
Demonstrations were held outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while stakeholders demanded an urgent review of the policy.
Among the protesters was National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who joined the student-led agitation. Leaders from opposition parties, including the People’s Democratic Party and Awami Itihad Party, also lent their support, calling for “rationalization” of the policy.
The contentious policy, introduced by the lieutenant governor-led administration before the elections, significantly altered the reservation structure. It increased reserved quotas for certain communities, such as the Paharis and other Scheduled Tribes, while reducing the share for the general merit category.
The amendments included 10% reservations for Pahari-speaking people and other tribes, raising the Scheduled Tribe category quota to 20%. Additionally, 8% reservations were allocated to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), with 15 new castes added to the OBC list. While the policy was passed in Parliament earlier this year, critics argue that it undermines merit and unfairly limits opportunities for general category candidates.
The protests reached a peak on Monday when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah invited student representatives and leaders to his residence for discussions. The students, many of whom are pursuing medical and professional training, have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the policy, which they say promotes mediocrity over merit.
During the meeting, the chief minister as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust assured the delegation that a cabinet sub-committee tasked with reviewing the policy would submit its report within six months. The panel, comprising key ministers, was formed to address concerns and recommend potential adjustments to the reservation framework.
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi after the meeting talked to reporters and said: “It is a positive step that the government has provided a time-bound commitment to resolve the issue. However, we hope the review will take less than six months, as the grievances are urgent and need immediate attention.”
The policy has also faced legal challenges, with petitions filed in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The court has clubbed the various petitions and directed the government to respond within three weeks. Meanwhile, political leaders have expressed differing opinions on the matter.
PDP’s Iltija Mufti, addressing the media during the protest, criticized the political discourse in the region, saying it remains fixated on Article 370 and statehood while neglecting the pressing concerns of the youth. “These students are asking for equity, not politics. The government must act on its promises to bring rationality to the reservation system,” she said.
Chief Minister Abdullah has also maintained that his government is committed to addressing the issue. He maintained that while the sub-committee is working on the review, the government would abide by any judicial directives on the matter. “The issue is complex and demands a balanced approach to address the concerns of all communities,” he stated in a public message.
The protests underscore the growing frustration among the youth, who feel sidelined by policies that prioritize community-based quotas over academic and professional excellence. [KNT]
