Mushtaq Bala:
The reservation system in Jammu & Kashmir has recently become a topic of discussion and concern, especially for general category job aspirants. After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the region saw major changes in its governance and policies, including the introduction of national reservation laws. These policies aim to provide equal opportunities to underprivileged and marginalized communities through quotas in education, jobs, and other sectors. However, these changes have raised concerns among general category candidates, who feel that their chances of securing government jobs have been significantly reduced.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the reservation system provides quotas for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), among others. The addition of a 10% reservation for EWS, along with the existing quotas, has further reduced the number of positions available under the open merit category. This has created challenges for general category aspirants, as the competition for unreserved positions has become much tougher.
For many young people in Jammu & Kashmir, government jobs are a primary source of stable employment. With so many positions reserved, general category candidates often feel disadvantaged. In many cases, less than half of the available vacancies are left for open merit candidates, making it harder for them to succeed in government job exams. Many of these aspirants feel that the system prioritizes reserved category candidates over merit, as individuals with lower scores in exams may qualify for reserved positions while higher-scoring general category candidates are left out.
This growing sense of exclusion has led to frustration and discontent among general category aspirants. Many talented and highly qualified individuals are leaving Jammu & Kashmir in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This brain drain is a loss for the region, as these individuals could contribute to its growth and development. At the same time, it has increased the unemployment rate among young people who do not fall under any reserved category.
Another concern is the economic disparity among general category candidates. Many of them come from lower-middle-class or economically weak backgrounds. However, because they are not part of any reserved category, they do not benefit from the reservation system. This creates a sense of unfairness, as economic struggles are not limited to specific castes or communities. These aspirants feel overlooked by policies that do not account for their financial hardships.
The current reservation policies have also created social tensions. Many general category candidates feel that they are being treated unfairly, which has led to protests and demands for change. Some of their key demands include capping the total percentage of reservations, using economic criteria instead of caste for determining eligibility, and ensuring more transparency and fairness in recruitment processes. They believe these changes could help address the growing inequality in opportunities.
At the same time, it is important to recognize the need for reservations. Marginalized communities in Jammu & Kashmir and across India have faced historical disadvantages and systemic discrimination. Reservations are an important tool to ensure they have equal access to education, jobs, and other opportunities. However, the implementation of reservation policies needs to be more inclusive and balanced so that they do not create new forms of inequality.
Policymakers need to find solutions that address the concerns of general category aspirants while continuing to support marginalized communities. One way to do this could be by expanding the scope of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation. By making EWS reservations available to all individuals based on their economic status, regardless of caste or community, the system could become fairer and more inclusive. This would ensure that economically disadvantaged individuals from all backgrounds receive the support they need.
Another possible solution is to reserve a larger share of positions for open merit while maintaining quotas for marginalized groups. This would give general category aspirants more opportunities to compete fairly while still upholding the principles of affirmative action. Additionally, improving transparency in job recruitment processes could help build trust and confidence among candidates from all categories.
To reduce dependency on government jobs, there is also a need to create more opportunities in the private sector. Encouraging entrepreneurship, skill development programs, and private investment in the region could help generate new employment options for young people. This would not only reduce unemployment but also ease the competition for government positions.
The reservation issue in Jammu & Kashmir highlights the challenges of balancing social justice with meritocracy. While reservations are essential to address historical inequalities, they must be implemented in a way that considers the aspirations and struggles of all sections of society. Policymakers need to adopt an approach that promotes inclusivity and fairness, ensuring that no group feels left out or alienated.
The grievances of general category aspirants should not be ignored, as their frustration could lead to further social tensions. Addressing their concerns is important not only for their future but also for maintaining peace and harmony in the region. A fair and balanced reservation policy can help create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.
By finding solutions that accommodate the needs of all communities, Jammu & Kashmir can take a step towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. The voices of general category aspirants should be heard and addressed, but this must be done without undermining the efforts to uplift marginalized groups. Striking this balance is crucial for building a society that values both justice and opportunity for all.
