Jammu and Kashmir’s new reservation policy has sparked protests and legal challenges. Critics say it reduces opportunities for some groups while benefiting others. The changes, introduced after the revocation of Article 370, impact quotas for government jobs and educational institutions.
Under the revised policy, open merit (general category) reservations have been cut from 57% to 33%. The changes implemented have reduced the Reservations for Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
In contrast, the share for Scheduled Tribes (ST) has doubled from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and reservations for Socially Backward Castes (SBC) have increased from 2 per cent to 8 per cent. Reservations for people living near the Line of Actual Control (ALC) and the Physically Challenged (PHC) have been slightly raised from 3 per cent to 4 per cent.
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The policy also introduces new reservation categories, which include children of defence personnel- 3 per cent, children of police personnel- 1 per cent and achievers in sports- 2 per cent.
A significant addition is a 10 per cent reservation for the newly recognised Pahari ethnic group, along with other communities like the Paddari tribe, Kolis, and Gadda Brahmins by the Parliament at the behest of the BJP.
Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, who were granted ST status in 1991 vehemently opposed the ST status of Paharis and others on the contention that they do not meet the criteria to be granted an ST quota. They argued that the move has reduced their chances of seeking admissions and government jobs.
The policy is also under legal challenge. The court has asked the J&K government to respond within three weeks. Regional parties say the reservation should be based on fairness and at the expense of those who don’t enjoy reservation.
The J&K government has set up a three-member panel to review the policy but has not given a timeline for its conclusions. With ongoing protests and legal challenges, the future of the policy remains uncertain.