Sajad Lone Urges J&K Govt to Revisit EWS Reservation Criteria for Jobs, Admissions
Peoples Conference leader flags disparity in Valley’s representation, links it to asset-based eligibility norms
Srinagar, Mar 17: Sajad Gani Lone has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to review the eligibility criteria under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, citing concerns over limited representation from the Kashmir Valley in jobs and admissions.
Referring to official data, Lone pointed out that despite a higher Below Poverty Line (BPL) population in Kashmir compared to Jammu, the number of candidates qualifying under the EWS category from the Valley remains disproportionately low. He highlighted that in a recent KAS examination, only one out of nine successful candidates under this quota belonged to Kashmir.
The Peoples Conference chief attributed the imbalance to asset based conditions attached to EWS certification. While many households in the Valley meet the income threshold, he argued that restrictions linked to property size and housing exclude a large section of eligible applicants.
Citing district-wise figures, Lone said several areas in Kashmir have significant BPL populations, yet remain underrepresented due to these norms. He termed the situation unjust and called for urgent corrective measures to ensure fair access to reservation benefits.
He also suggested that the administration examine models adopted by other states such as Rajasthan and Kerala, where similar criteria have reportedly been relaxed.
Appealing for immediate intervention, Lone warned that continuing recruitment processes without revising the guidelines could further deepen disparities, stressing the need for a more inclusive approach to reservation policy in the Union Territory.
