SRINAGAR: Official data presented in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly reveals a stark regional disparity in the issuance of category and reservation certificates, with Jammu division receiving the overwhelming majority.
The information was shared in response to a starred question by Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, highlighting a significant gap between the two divisions in access to certificates that provide benefits under reservation policies and welfare schemes.
According to the Revenue Department, Jammu division issued a total of 7,88,707 certificates over the past two years, while Kashmir division accounted for just 1,76,425 certificates. This means Jammu represents 81.7 percent of all certificates issued in the Union Territory, compared to 18.3 percent in Kashmir.
The certificates cover various categories, including Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST-1 and ST-2), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), and areas near the Line of Control and International Border (ALC/IB).
Tehsildars are the authorized officers for issuing these certificates under the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, as well as its rules and subsequent government orders.
District-wise breakdowns provided in the reply contribute to the overall division-wise figures for Jammu and Kashmir.
The Revenue Department tabled the data as part of its official response in the Assembly, underscoring the regional imbalance in certificate distribution.
