Will the J&K Cabinet's Reservation Report Get L-G's Approval?
 
                                    
                                    
                                    
                                Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The J&K cabinet sub-committee's report on reservations is pending approval from the Lt Governor.
- The report aims to recommend changes to enhance opportunities for open merit candidates.
- The current reservation policy aligns with constitutional provisions.
- Reservations should not exceed 50% of available vacancies, with some exceptions.
- The government does not keep regional selection data for various services.
Srinagar, Oct 30 (NationPress) The report from the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet sub-committee regarding reservations has been presented to the council of ministers and is set to be finalized pending the Lt Governor's approval, as disclosed in the legislative assembly on Thursday.
On Thursday, the Jammu and Kashmir Government revealed that the cabinet's sub-committee on reservation has delivered its report to the council of ministers, which will be finalized shortly after receiving the required sanction from the rightful authority.
In response to inquiries raised by People's Conference President Sajad Gani Lone and Independent MLA Shabir Kulley, the Minister responsible for the General Administration Department informed the Assembly that the cabinet sub-committee has submitted its findings following thorough discussions and consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The minister confirmed that the report will be finalized in due time after securing the necessary approval from the competent authority.
He stated that the current reservation policy generally adheres to constitutional mandates and judicial standards, including those articulated in the Indira Sawhney vs. Union of India (1992) verdict.
According to the Indira Sawhney vs. Union of India ruling, the Supreme Court determined that reservations should typically not surpass 50% of the available vacancies.
“Nonetheless, it has been clarified that this limit is not an absolute rule and may be adjusted in extraordinary conditions, where the unique circumstances and specific facts of a given state or area warrant such an approach,” the minister's response noted.
The government, however, mentioned that it does not keep regional or district-specific records of selections for junior scale positions in the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service, Jammu and Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Service, and Jammu & Kashmir Accounts Service, indicating that such data is not maintained.
Following its establishment in October 2024, the government led by Omar Abdullah formed a cabinet sub-committee to propose modifications to the existing reservation policies in J&K, aiming to enhance opportunities for candidates in the open merit category in government employment and professional educational institutions.
 
                         
                                             
                                             
                                             
                                             
                             
                             
                             
                            