Mir Aasif
Srinagar, Sep 25 (GNS): The Government on Friday said that the issue of reservation of Open Merit candidates in respect of recruitment in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been persistently raised in earlier Assembly sessions and that a Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to rationalize reservation quotas has submitted its recommendations.
The reply came in response to Question tabled by Mr. Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Hon’ble MLA Shopian, regarding implementation of 50% reservation ceiling and safeguarding interests of Open Merit candidates.
To question (a) whether it is a fact that the issue of reservation of Open Merit candidates in respect of recruitment in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stands persistently raised in earlier Assembly Session(s), the Government replied, “Yes, Sir.”
To question (b) whether it has examined the proposal for ensuring 50% representation for Open Merit candidates in accordance with the applicable constitutional and judicial provisions; if so, the present status of the process for earmarking said quota for Open Merit candidates, the Government stated:
“In order to rationalize reservation quotas across all categories while addressing grievances raised by different stakeholders, the Government constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee vide Government Order No. 2061-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 10.12.2024. The Committee examined the existing reservation structure in detail and submitted its report/recommendations to the Council of Ministers. The Council of Ministers approved the recommendations and forwarded the matter to the competent authority for consideration.”
To question (c) whether the aforesaid proposal stands placed before the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for his consideration/approval; if so, when: if not, the reasons therefor, the Government replied, “Same as above.”
To question (d) whether it proposes to take appropriate measures to ensure a fair and equitable balance between the reserved and Open Merit categories in recruitment and admissions; if so the details and timeline fixed thereof, the Government said:
“Appropriate measures are being taken. In order to address grievances raised by different stakeholders, and rationalize reservation quotas across all categories Government constituted a Cabinet sub Committee vide Government Order No. 2061-JK(GAD) of 2024 dated 10.12.2024. The Committee examined the existing reservation structure in detail and submitted its report/recommendations to the Council of Ministers. The Recommendations thereafter stand submitted to the Competent Authority.”
The reply was furnished by the Under Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department.(GNS)
