Reservation Policy Row: JKSA questions govt intent, alleges ‘double standards’ in Assembly

• Says Deputy CM’s conduct is unbecoming of a constitutional office

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Wednesday strongly criticized the Jammu & Kashmir government for what it termed a “glaring display of double standards” on the issue of reservation policy during the ongoing Assembly session.

The Association’s National Spokesperson, Dr. Zubair Reshi, stated that a Private Member’s Bill introduced by Bashir Ahmad Veeri sought amendments to the existing reservation framework. While presenting the bill, the legislator highlighted the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue for a large section of society, particularly aspirants belonging to the open merit category.

However, when the bill was put to vote, members of the ruling party unanimously opposed it. Association expressed deep concern over the fact that three ministers, who were part of the Cabinet sub-committee constituted to examine the reservation policy and submit recommendations, also voted against the bill. The Association stated that this contradiction exposes a troubling lack of consistency, accountability, and sincerity in addressing genuine concerns surrounding the policy.

Dr. Reshi said that the ministers who opposed the Reservation Amendment Bill in the J&K Assembly are the same individuals who served on the Cabinet sub-committee and forwarded its recommendations to the Government of India on the reservation policy. “What can one expect from their recommendations now? When those who drafted and endorsed the framework themselves refuse to stand by it on the floor of the Assembly, it raises serious questions about the intent, credibility, and integrity of the entire exercise,” he said.

He further emphasized that this reflects a clear case of policy ambiguity and political duplicity. “On one hand, the government constitutes committees to review grievances and raises expectations among stakeholders; on the other, it rejects legislative efforts aimed at meaningful reform,” he added.

Reiterating its long-standing demand, the Association urged the government to adopt a transparent, inclusive, and merit-sensitive approach while reviewing the reservation framework. It emphasized that the concerns and aspirations of the open merit category, particularly students and job aspirants, cannot be ignored or sidelined any longer.

The Association also strongly condemned the conduct of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, terming it “deeply unfortunate, disrespectful, and unbecoming of a constitutional office.” It stated that it was shameful to witness a senior government functionary allegedly mocking and disrespecting a legislator while he was raising genuine, student-centric concerns on the floor of the House.

“The issue of the Reservation Bill is not merely political; it is a deeply sensitive matter in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in light of growing concerns regarding its impact on the open merit category. When Dr. Bashir Veeri expressed himself on the issue, it reflected the gravity of the situation and the sentiments of thousands of students and aspirants he represents. Mocking such concerns is not only insensitive but also undermines the dignity of democratic institutions,” the statement added.

Dr. Reshi further stated that the Deputy Chief Minister’s conduct reflects a pattern of disregard for legislative decorum, terming him a “habitual offender” whose actions are increasingly becoming an embarrassment for the Legislative Assembly. The Association emphasized that such behavior erodes the ethical and deliberative essence of the Assembly, which must function as a space of respectful debate, accountability, and democratic representation.

It warned that repeated instances of such conduct risk diminishing public trust in democratic institutions and set a dangerous precedent for political discourse in the region. The Association stressed that elected representatives must engage with serious public issues with sensitivity, maturity, and respect, particularly when the concerns relate to youth, students, and employment.