JKSA expresses gratitude to concerned citizens group for documenting students’ concerns on Reservation Policy in its 11th Report

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday expressed its sincere gratitude to the Concerned Citizens Group (CCG), led by former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, for meticulously documenting and comprehensively addressing the concerns of the student community regarding the reservation policy in its recently released 11th report on Jammu and Kashmir.Last month, a dedicated panel of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on reservation held a detailed meeting with the Concerned Citizens Group in Srinagar.

During the interaction, the panel highlighted the shrinking opportunities for open merit students, the need for rationalisation of reservations in proportion to population, regional imbalances in the issuance of certificates, and several other critical issues affecting the youth of the region. JKSA is deeply encouraged that the CCG has not only taken cognisance of these concerns but has also incorporated them in detail in its report, along with key observations and recommendations that are to be formally submitted to the Union Territory and Central Governments.

The Association, which has been spearheading the demand for rationalisation of reservations, has consistently argued that reservations should be based on population ratios. According to the 2011 Census, nearly 69 percent of the population of Jammu and Kashmir falls under the general category. However, opportunities for open merit candidates have been steadily shrinking. As a result, almost 70 percent of the population is compelled to compete for less than 40 percent of available job opportunities due to the expansion of reservation quotas.

This independent endorsement by a respected group of eminent and concerned citizens significantly amplifies the legitimate demands of students in Jammu and Kashmir and underscores the urgency of equitable and inclusive reforms in the reservation framework. At a time when the J&K Cabinet has approved revisions to the reservation policy aimed at enhancing open merit opportunities, the CCG’s report serves as a timely and authoritative intervention that reinforces JKSA’s long-standing advocacy.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association remains hopeful that the concerns articulated by its Reservation Committee, now prominently reflected in the CCG’s report, will receive serious and thoughtful consideration from both the Central and Union Territory Governments, paving the way for constructive policy measures that ensure justice, fairness, and equal opportunity for all sections of society.