Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Tuesday said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to examine the issue of reservations in Jammu and Kashmir has completed its task and finalised the report within the stipulated timeframe of six months.
In a post on X, Itoo said, “The Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issue of reservations has drafted its report within the stipulated timeframe of six months. The report will be placed before the Cabinet when it meets.”
The reservation row in Jammu and Kashmir intensified following the 2023 amendments to the Reservation Act, which granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to communities including Paharis, Padaris, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins. While the government termed the move significant, it triggered strong criticism and protests from students, aspirants, and opposition parties. National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah protested outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Srinagar, joined by thousands of students who accused the government of “killing merit” and sidelining deserving candidates.
The issue escalated after the NEET-PG 2024 and JKCCE 2023 results, which showed a sharp drop in open merit selections, sparking protests in colleges and on public platforms. Aspirants alleged that the Open Merit quota had been drastically reduced, breaching the 50% cap set by the Supreme Court.
A petition was also filed in the JK High Court challenging the revised reservation structure as unconstitutional.
In response, the government set up a Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Education Minister Sakina Itoo to examine the revised quota system and address concerns raised by stakeholders. The report has now been finalised and awaits Cabinet review. (JKNS)
