SRINAGAR: A high-level Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) set up by the Omar Abdullah-led administration to re-evaluate Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation framework has concluded its review and finalized its report, which is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Cabinet meeting in Srinagar. The development comes at a time of increasing dissatisfaction among general category aspirants who claim that the open merit quota has been reduced to just 30 per cent.
Formed on December 10, 2024, the panel was assigned to reassess the reservation structure, especially in light of the recent inclusion of Pahari-speaking communities under the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category following a central government decision. The CSC, comprising Education Minister Sakina Itoo, Forest and Irrigation Minister Javed Rana, and Youth Services and CAPD Minister Satish Sharma, was given a six-month timeline to complete its task.
While the contents of the report remain confidential, the committee has confirmed its submission is ready. “The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations in the Union Territory has drafted its report within the stipulated timeframe of six months,” posted Sakina Itoo on social media platform X, without revealing further details.
The review process has been closely watched, especially by candidates from the general category who feel increasingly sidelined by the growing number of reserved categories. Protests and debates over the shrinking open merit quota have intensified in recent months, placing the government under pressure to strike a balance between affirmative action and merit-based opportunities.
The Cabinet is expected to deliberate on the findings soon, with potential changes likely to shape the reservation landscape of Jammu and Kashmir for years to come.
