Let merit prevail. Our youth struggling between hopelessness and dreams: MLA Waheed ur Rehman writes to CM

SRINAGAR: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed ur Rehman Parra, has launched a strong critique of the prevailing reservation policy in Jammu & Kashmir, maintaining that meritocracy is being systematically undermined at the cost of the region’s aspiring youth.

In a detailed post on social media, Mr Waheed expressed deep concern over what he termed a “systematic embargo on merit” in Jammu & Kashmir, calling for immediate pro-rata rationalisation of the reservation framework.

“Jammu & Kashmir is a conflict-ridden region burdened with decades of trauma, depression, and the highest unemployment rate in India. 65% of its population is youth, who are struggling between hopelessness and dreams of a better future,” Waheed  wrote.

He emphasised that amid ongoing terror threats, border tensions and fragile peace, the youth of the region have consistently chosen the path of merit, aspiring to become doctors, engineers, civil servants, and responsible nation-builders.

“Yet, the biggest hurdle to their dreams is not violence but the systematic embargo on merit,” he said, asserting that J&K remains the only region in the country where youth are “punished for being meritorious.”

While recognising the importance of reservations in uplifting disadvantaged communities, Waheed insisted that such policies “cannot in any circumstances come at the cost of merit.” He called for the rationalisation of the existing system in proportion to regional realities, noting that nearly 70% of the region’s population depends on merit-based opportunities.

In a pointed reference to the National Conference (NC), Parra held the party accountable for failing to fulfil its promises on reforming the reservation system. “@OmarAbdullah sb may not have created this monster of a flawed reservation policy but it was your party, your MLAs, your parliamentarians who promised its correction,” he wrote.

Referring to NC’s legislative strength, he added: “With an absolute mandate of 50 seats in a region where 70% depend on merit, what exactly are you waiting for? Which business rule, which statehood, which sub-committee is stopping you?”

Waheed also invoked the legacy of the NC founder, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, stating: “It’s a shame that a party whose founder stood for autonomy cannot even stand for merit today.” He called for a united political front to prioritise youth aspirations and fairness in governance.

The remarks have sparked renewed public discussion around the fairness of J&K’s reservation policies, especially amid increasing youth anxiety over limited employment avenues and highly competitive exams.