SRINAGAR: The Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to review Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation rules held an extensive interaction with various public delegations and student groups at the SKICC on Saturday, pledging to consider the views of all sections of society to arrive at a fair and balanced policy.
Chaired by Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, the three-member committee listened to a range of concerns and grievances regarding the current reservation policy. Ministers Javed Ahmad Rana (Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs) and Satish Sharma (Youth Services and Sports) also participated as members of the Sub-Committee.
Senior government officials, including Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; and Achal Sethi, Secretary Law, were present during the deliberations, along with other senior officers from relevant departments.
The delegations presented a wide array of viewpoints on the existing reservation framework. In response, the Sub-Committee reassured participants that the government would adopt an inclusive approach in revising the policy, ensuring that the interests of all communities are safeguarded.
“The aim is to arrive at an amicable solution where no group feels left out,” the committee said, while affirming that all discussions would remain open and transparent.
The committee also confirmed it will submit its final report to the Council of Ministers, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, within the stipulated six-month timeframe.
The Sub-Committee was set up by the Omar Abdullah-led administration to address growing concerns from various aspirant groups regarding the current reservation rules and to recommend suitable modifications following consultations with stakeholders.
