Cabinet Sub-Committee Recommendations Approved by Council of Ministers; Matter Sent to Competent Authority
Srinagar, September 25 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said that appropriate measures are being taken to rationalise the reservation structure and address concerns raised by stakeholders, including candidates belonging to the Open Merit category.
The government made the statement in response to a question raised by Shopian MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly regarding the implementation of the 50 per cent reservation ceiling and safeguarding the interests of Open Merit candidates in recruitment.
On whether the issue of reservation for Open Merit candidates had been repeatedly raised during earlier Assembly sessions, the government replied in the affirmative.
Regarding the demand for ensuring 50 per cent representation for Open Merit candidates in accordance with applicable constitutional and judicial provisions, the government said that a Cabinet Sub-Committee had been constituted to examine and rationalise the existing reservation structure.
The committee was constituted vide Government Order No. 2061-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated December 10, 2024. It examined the existing reservation framework and subsequently submitted its report and recommendations to the Council of Ministers.
According to the government, the Council of Ministers approved the recommendations and forwarded the matter to the competent authority for consideration.
When asked whether the proposal had been placed before the Lieutenant Governor for consideration or approval, the government replied, “Same as above.”
On whether the government proposed measures to maintain a fair and equitable balance between reserved and Open Merit categories in recruitment and admissions, it said that appropriate measures were being taken.
The government reiterated that the Cabinet Sub-Committee had examined the reservation structure in detail following grievances raised by different stakeholders and that its recommendations had subsequently been submitted to the competent authority.
The reply was furnished by the Under Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department.(KNC)