Reservation Panel Report Sent to Centre, Govt to Make It Public After Final Nod, Says Minister Itoo
Jammu, Feb 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the report prepared by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on reservation has been approved by the Council of Ministers and forwarded to the Centre for consideration. The report will be made public once a final decision is received from the Union Government.
Replying during the discussion on grants related to the Departments of Health, Social Welfare and Education, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said the government had adopted a serious, consultative and balanced approach while examining the contentious reservation policy in the Union Territory. She emphasised that the interests of youth and aspirants remained at the core of the deliberations.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted on December 10, 2024, following widespread representations and grievances raised by various sections of aspirants regarding the existing reservation framework. The issue gained prominence after changes introduced over the past five years expanded reservation quotas and added new communities to reserved categories in Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister Itoo informed the House that after detailed deliberations and Cabinet approval, the report was submitted to the Lieutenant Governor. She further stated that the Lieutenant Governor has forwarded the report to the Union Home Minister for examination. “Once a final decision is taken at that level and the file returns to us, the report will be placed before the public,” she said.
Highlighting the process adopted by the government, the Minister said that several representations were received by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah soon after the formation of the government. In response, a three-member Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed to undertake a comprehensive review of the concerns.
The committee conducted extensive consultations across regions, meeting delegations from Rajouri, Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu and Kathua. According to the Minister, discussions were held with stakeholders cutting across political affiliations and social groups. The committee examined the issue from multiple perspectives before preparing a detailed report.
“The report underwent departmental scrutiny and was discussed again at the Cabinet level before being finalised and forwarded,” she added, underlining that the process was structured and thorough. She maintained that the matter remains under consideration at the Centre and is presently confidential.
The reservation policy has emerged as a major public issue in Jammu and Kashmir after the expansion of quotas in recent years. The overall reservation percentage in the Union Territory has reportedly touched 70 per cent following the introduction of a separate 10 per cent quota for Paharis and other tribes and enhancement of the OBC quota to eight per cent. These changes triggered debate and concerns among general category aspirants and youth groups.
Minister Itoo reiterated that the government has acted responsibly and without political bias. “We have worked on merit and kept youth welfare in mind rather than indulging in vote politics,” she asserted.
She also thanked members of the Assembly for constructive participation in the discussion on departmental grants and assured that constituency-specific issues raised by legislators would be examined for appropriate follow-up.
Referring to the broader policy direction, the Minister said the Budget 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflects a commitment to inclusive growth, with emphasis on education, healthcare, social welfare and women empowerment. She said the government remains focused on strengthening public service delivery and ensuring equitable opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir.
