Kashmir Youth Raise Concerns Over Revised Reservation Policy
By: Javid Amin
The decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government to allocate only 40% of positions for open merit in government job recruitments has ignited widespread outrage among the youth in the Union Territory. This new policy, introduced after accounting for reserved quotas, has stirred significant opposition across various districts of the erstwhile state. Unlike past trends where frustration often led to support for terrorism or separatism, today’s youth in the Kashmir Valley and parts of Jammu are taking to the streets to demand meritocracy in government job placements. This shift towards advocating for equity and fairness in opportunities reflects a new wave of sentiment among the younger generation.
The Controversial Decision: A New Battleground
Record-Breaking Protests In recent years, the youth of Kashmir have been vocal about their discontent with the reservation policies in place. The government’s decision to allocate only 40% of job positions to open merit, while reserving 60% for various categories, has been the catalyst for a surge of protests. Data from local authorities indicate that this issue has mobilized thousands of young people, with demonstrations occurring frequently in major towns and cities.
Economic Boost vs. Opportunity for All While the reservation policy aims to uplift marginalized communities, it has simultaneously marginalized another significant portion of the population—those belonging to the general category. This group argues that the policy undermines meritocracy, leaving deserving candidates with limited opportunities. The economic benefits that reservations might bring to certain groups are overshadowed by the growing resentment among general category candidates who feel that their hard work and qualifications are being overlooked.
A Growing Sense of Injustice
Political Silence Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are aware of the dissatisfaction among the youth but remain largely silent on the issue. Privately, many politicians agree that the open merit candidates face an unfair disadvantage. However, publicly supporting these candidates could cost them votes from the reserved categories. This political tightrope has left many young people feeling abandoned by their leaders.
Prominent political figures like PDP leader Waheen Para have attempted to voice their concerns. In May, Para posted on social media platform X that the new reservation policy undermined the merit and aspirations of countless intelligent students, eroding meritocracy. However, he was forced to delete the post after six hours when PDP president Mehbooba Mufti distanced herself and the party from his views.
Voices of Dissent: Advocates for Change
Youth Leaders and Activists Prominent figures like Sahil Parray and leaders of the Youth Against Corruption (YAC) group such as Vinkal Sharma have been actively engaging with local politicians to address the concerns of students and job seekers in the Valley. Sharma and Parray, also a YAC leader, have been engaged in meetings with politicians such as newly elected Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, Syed Aga Rullah Mehdi, on the issue.
Critics of the new reservation policy, like Sharma, have denounced the move as a “murder of open merit candidates,” citing concerns over limited opportunities for people from the general category in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharma feels that the recent amendments to the Scheduled Tribes list, through the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raise questions about regional focus and potential impacts.
The Grassroots Movement Supporting the cause of Kashmiri students, Sharma noted that at least 70% of the population in the Valley comprises general category students. “Now, with limited open competition seats, securing opportunities based solely on merit becomes more challenging,” he said. The debate surrounding the reservation policy intensifies as voices like Javed Dar and Khandan Imtiyaz express fears of dashed dreams and restricted prospects for government employment in the region.
The Legal and Constitutional Angle
Supreme Court Rulings and Reservation Caps The present reservation policy of the Union Territory is seen by many as conflicting with the 1992 Indra Sawney judgement of the Supreme Court, which fixed a cap of 50% on reservations. According to Javed Dar from Baramulla, “The new policy reserves 60% of government jobs and educational seats for various categories, leaving 40% for open competition.” Additionally, concerns exist about the removal of the ‘creamy layer’ concept, which excludes those already benefiting from privilege within reserved categories.
Imtiyaz, a student pursuing a Masters in Political Science, has expressed strong disapproval of the Jammu and Kashmir government’s new reservation policy, fearing it will negatively impact students from the unreserved category. He argues that while uplifting certain sections of society is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of others. “This policy will be the reason for the downfall of many dreams held by students from the unreserved category,” Imtiyaz said, urging policymakers to find a “just way out” that ensures opportunities for both the reserved and general categories without jeopardizing the aspirations of deserving students.
The Impact of the Policy
Breakdown of Reservation Quotas A detailed breakdown of seat reservations has sparked debate and concerns among general category candidates. The notification shows that Scheduled Castes have an 8% reservation, Scheduled Tribes (20%), socially and educationally backward classes (8%), residents of Line of Control (4%), residents of backward areas and economically weaker sections (10% each), persons with disabilities (4%), children of defence personnel (3%), outstanding sports candidates (2%), and 1% for children of paramilitary and police forces.
The 2011 census data indicates that 69% of Kashmir Valley’s population falls under the general category, which encompasses individuals not classified under Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. This significant majority is now feeling the pinch of reduced opportunities.
A Closer Look at the Policy’s Implications
The Case for Meritocracy The debate over merit versus reservation is not new. However, in Kashmir, it has taken on a new urgency. Young people, who once might have been disillusioned or driven towards radical paths, are now demanding a fair shot at government jobs based on their qualifications and hard work. This shift represents a significant change in the region’s socio-political landscape.
Regional Development and Equity The government’s intent to provide more opportunities to marginalized communities is commendable. However, the policy’s implementation appears to have neglected the aspirations of the general category, leading to a sense of injustice. Balancing regional development with equitable opportunities for all remains a delicate and challenging task.
The Road Ahead: Finding a Balance
Policy Reforms and Stakeholder Engagement To address the growing discontent, policymakers need to consider reforms that strike a balance between uplifting marginalized communities and ensuring merit-based opportunities for all. Engaging with stakeholders, including student leaders, activists, and general category candidates, is crucial to crafting a more inclusive and fair policy.
Promoting Dialogue and Understanding Open dialogue between the government and the youth can help bridge the gap and build trust. By listening to the concerns of young people and incorporating their feedback, the government can develop policies that are more attuned to the needs of all citizens.
Encouraging Political Accountability Political leaders must show accountability and transparency in addressing the issues raised by the youth. This includes acknowledging the flaws in the current policy and working towards solutions that do not alienate any section of the population.
Bottom-Line
The decision to allocate only 40% of government job positions to open merit candidates in Jammu and Kashmir has sparked significant outrage among the youth. This policy has highlighted the need for a more balanced approach that considers the aspirations of all candidates while promoting social equity. As the youth continue to advocate for meritocracy and equal opportunities, it is imperative for policymakers to listen, engage, and act. Only through a concerted effort to address these concerns can the government ensure a fair and just future for all its citizens.
Call to Action
We urge policymakers, political leaders, and the community to prioritize dialogue and collaboration in addressing this pressing issue. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable system that upholds the principles of merit and fairness.
