Reservation issue: J&K Govt must act with clarity, honesty, and justice

The ongoing debate over the reservation policy in Jammu & Kashmir has taken a sharp turn, following a controversial affidavit filed by the J&K Government before the High Court in response to the petition filed by Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and others. The government’s attempt to dismiss the petition as “frivolous,” without acknowledging the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) formed to review the same issue, raises serious concerns about transparency, intent, and fairness in policymaking.

Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone has flagged the glaring omission—the government’s own sub-committee on reservations, chaired by the Education Minister, finds no mention in its legal defense. This is seen as a contradiction by a majority of the people and is seen as not only undermining the seriousness of the government’s review mechanism but also creating confusion about its actual position on the matter.

While Education Minister Sakeena Itoo has assured the public that the affidavit was wrongly filed and that the government remains sincere in its commitment to address reservation-related concerns, such assurances are being widely questioned when administrative and legal actions are perceived to be so disconnected. It is essential that the government avoids sending mixed signals that further alienate the non-reserved communities who are already feeling excluded and voiceless.

The non-reserved communities constitute the vast majority of Jammu and Kashmir’s population, yet their interests are repeatedly being sidelined. It is high time the government acknowledged this demographic and institutional imbalance. Policies must reflect not just historical injustices but also present-day socio-economic realities. There is an urgent need for a balanced and inclusive Reservation policy that safeguards opportunities for the meritorious and economically disadvantaged among the non-Reserved categories.

The government must ensure that the CSC’s findings are made public, and that any new Reservation framework considers the aspirations and rights of all communities — reserved and non-reserved alike. Political gains must not come at the cost of social equity. A transparent, data-driven, and consultative approach is the only path forward to restore public confidence in the system.

Ignoring the non-Reserved majority today may lead to deeper social fractures tomorrow. The government must act now—with clarity, honesty, and justice.