Atiya Mujeeb
Jammu, June 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet is set to convene in Srinagar on Tuesday after a gap of nearly six weeks, with the government’s response to the Centre’s queries on the reservation report expected to be the main focus of the meeting.
The reservation issue has remained a major topic of debate since last year after the overall quota in government jobs and educational institutions rose to nearly 70 per cent, reducing the share of Open Merit seats. The move sparked protests by students and job aspirants, who demanded a review of the policy.
In response, the Omar Abdullah-led government formed a Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) to examine the reservation framework. The panel later recommended changes in certain quotas, including those related to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), while proposing an increase in Open Merit seats and posts.
However, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sought clarifications on the data and methodology used by the committee. Official sources said the Social Welfare Department has now prepared a detailed reply, which is likely to be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
Once approved, the response will be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and thereafter forwarded to the MHA for further consideration.
Besides the reservation issue, the Cabinet is also expected to discuss development projects, administrative matters and promotion-related proposals.
The meeting, the first in nearly one-and-a-half months, is being closely watched as it could shape the future course of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
