CM says no final decision yet on Reservation Policy
Srinagar, Oct 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday clarified that the Jammu and Kashmir government had not taken any final decision on the rationalisation of reservation categories, saying the process was still underway and awaits approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
Addressing a news conference here, CM Omar said reports suggesting that the government had already amended the reservation structure were baseless.
“The Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report has been accepted by the Cabinet, and the concerned department has been directed to prepare a detailed memo. That document will then go to the LG for final approval. Until that happens, it is premature to comment on what the final shape of the reservation policy will be,” he said.
The CM urged the people and political parties not to spread misinformation or create unnecessary anxiety among different social categories.
“The process is administrative and must follow due procedure. Once the LG signs off on it, the details will be made public,” he said. “It would be both improper and bordering on illegal to release information that has not even reached the LG.”
CM Omar’s clarification comes amid opposition allegations that his government plans to reduce the quota for the Resident of Backward Area (RBA) category.
Responding to these claims, he said, “There is no point in getting into speculations. The only people who know what has been proposed are the members of the Cabinet. To speculate about what is being slashed or reduced would not be correct.”
The CM emphasised that the government’s objective was to create a fair and balanced reservation framework that reflects current ground realities.
“Any reform must ensure that no group feels excluded or deprived. Our focus remains on equitable opportunities in education and employment,” he said.
CM Omar also made it clear that no government works under pressure. “I am the last person who can be pressurised into doing something. There is a proper procedure, and we are following that,” he said.
Refraining from disclosing any details of the sub-committee’s findings, the CM said it would be inappropriate to comment before the memo reaches Raj Bhawan.
He reiterated that the report would be made public only after the LG approves it.
“Once the LG signs the Cabinet memo, all details will be shared transparently with the people,” CM Omar said.
His remarks follow days of political speculation over potential changes in J&K’s reservation categories and percentages.
The Cabinet sub-committee, constituted earlier this year, was tasked with reviewing and rationalising the Union Territory’s reservation structure in light of recent administrative and demographic developments.
