‘Restore SRO 49, remove Rule 17, reassess EWS categories’
Waris Fayaz
Baramulla, Dec 13 :
MBBS students of Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla protested on Friday against recent amendments to the reservation policy and other administrative decisions, demanding justice and fair policies.
The students, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), demanded the restoration of SRO 49, the removal of Rule 17, and the introduction of a Bond Policy for AIQ (All India Quota) students.
Holding placards with messages “Justice for Doctors” and “Eradicate Draconian Rule 17”, the students chanted slogans against “unfair and oppressive policies” which they said jeopardise their future in the medical profession.
“We are not against reservation, but the current policy is not justifiable. If 70% of the population belongs to open merit, then 70% of seats should go to them. Similarly, if 30% of the population falls under the reserved category, they should get 30% of the seats,” said a protesting student.
The students demanded the reinstatement of SRO 49, a regulation they believe ensures fairness for open-merit candidates. “We demand the return of SRO 49, which will provide justice to open merit students who work hard for their seats,” another student added.
Raising concerns about the categorisation under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the protesters alleged discrepancies and misuse. “The government needs to reassess the EWS categories. Many people are taking undue advantage of this category, which is unfair to those who genuinely qualify for it,” one of the students said.
They urged the government to address their concerns immediately—(KNO)