Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that it cannot disclose details of cabinet recommendations on reservation or queries posed by the Union Government, citing secrecy provisions under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House.
In a written reply to a question of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in‑charge Social Welfare, said the cabinet’s recommendations had already been submitted to the competent authority but could not be shared.
“The recommendations have been submitted to the competent authority. However, in terms of Business Rule 38 of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, particularly clause (xxi), the present information sought by the Hon’ble Member being secret in nature, relating to the decision and proceedings of the Cabinet, cannot be provided,” the reply stated.
To a question about the Centre’s queries on the report, the Minister reiterated the same position, again invoking Rule 38, clause (xxi), to underline that cabinet proceedings are confidential and cannot be disclosed.
Rule 38 deals with the admissibility of questions. Clause (xxi) specifies that questions shall not seek information about matters which are secret in nature, such as cabinet decisions, proceedings, or advice tendered to the Governor where constitutional, statutory, or conventional obligations prevent disclosure.
The Minister further said that there is no proposal under consideration to relax the existing criteria for reservation under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, including the prescribed asset‑based conditions.
Asked whether the Government intends to provide proportionate representation in reservation categories, including Open Merit (OM), based on population figures once the 2027 Census data is published, the Minister said the matter would be examined in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
“The issue shall be considered as and when the publication of Census‑2027 data becomes available to the Government,” the reply stated.
26,544 EWS certificates issued in last two years
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that 26,544 Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates were issued across the Union Territory during the last two years, with 24,058 issued in Jammu Division and 2,486 in Kashmir Division.
The information was provided by the Revenue Department in response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Surjit Singh Slathia regarding the number of EWS certificates issued in Jammu and Kashmir and the government’s position on revisiting the existing criteria.
The department, said that 2,486 EWS certificates were issued in Kashmir Division during the period under review.
Among Kashmir districts, Anantnag recorded 583 certificates, followed by Kulgam with 618, Baramulla 315, Budgam 254, Pulwama 157, Srinagar 174, Kupwara 80, Bandipora 82, Ganderbal 70 and Shopian 153.
In Jammu Division, 24,058 EWS certificates were issued. Jammu recorded the highest number with 5,075 certificates, followed by Kathua with 5,865, Samba 4,614, Udhampur 3,435, Doda 1,804, Ramban 1,440, Reasi 1,381, Kishtwar 429, Rajouri 12 and Poonch three.
Regarding Samba district, the government said 4,614 EWS certificates were issued constituency-wise, including 1,083 in Vijaypur, 1,854 in Samba and 1,677 in Ramgarh.
On whether the government intends to review or revisit the existing criteria for issuance of EWS certificates, the Revenue Department said the criteria are already prescribed under the J&K Reservation Rules read with SRO 518 dated September 2, 2019.
The department said the existing criteria are in conformity with applicable constitutional and legal provisions and are being implemented. It further clarified that there is no proposal at present to review or revisit the criteria.
