Blatant Discrimination in IIOJK’s Reservation Policy

The reservation policy in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has been criticized for its deep-rooted regional biases, with figures showing a severe imbalance that disadvantages Kashmiris while benefiting Jammu.

Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation policy has long been a subject of controversy. The numbers laid bare in recent statistics reveal a stark and systematic bias, which paints a troubling picture for the people of IIOJK. The policy, touted as a tool for social equity, appears to favor Jammu at the expense of Kashmir, disregarding the region’s rightful share of benefits.

The disparity in the issuance of certificates speaks volumes. For instance, 100% of the 67,112 Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates were issued in Jammu, while Kashmir received zero. This clear denial of benefits to the Kashmiri people is a glaring example of discrimination. Furthermore, the Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates show an 85.2% dominance in Jammu, with only 14.8% granted in Kashmir. The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) certificates also reflect an unjust division, with 92.3% allocated to Jammu and just 7.7% to Kashmir.

Even more telling are the figures for villages benefitting under the Actual Line of Control (ALC), International Border (IB), and Reserved Backward Area (RBA) categories. Jammu benefits from 63.8% of the ALC/IB/RBA certificates, while Kashmir receives a meager 36.2%. These numbers suggest that the reservation policy is systematically skewed to favor one region over the other, leading to widespread accusations of regional bias.

This unfair policy goes beyond mere numbers; it represents a severe blow to Kashmiris’ opportunities in education and employment. Kashmiri students, despite scoring high marks, often find themselves excluded from educational institutions and job opportunities, while students from Jammu, particularly from Rajouri and Poonch, are given preferential treatment.

In contrast, Jammu students seem to benefit from an almost automatic admission process, regardless of merit. This has created a situation where Kashmiri students are left in the lurch, unable to pursue their aspirations, simply due to a policy designed to marginalize them.

Sajad Gani Lone, the leader of the People’s Conference, has been a vocal critic of this disparity. He pointed out the stark regional imbalance in the reservation system, arguing that the entire reservation policy is “rigged” against the Kashmiri-speaking population. According to Lone, the data from the government reveals that Jammu dominates the issuance of reservation certificates in all major categories.

Lone emphasized that the figures not only show that Jammu receives a disproportionate number of certificates but also highlighted that the total Scheduled Tribe (ST) population in Jammu is significantly higher than in Kashmir. This demographic skew further exacerbates the imbalance, as a large portion of the ST population is concentrated in just two districts—Poonch and Rajouri.

One of the most damaging aspects of the reservation system is its effect on Kashmiri students’ ambitions. Lone argues that the merit of Kashmiri students is being undermined by the reservation system, which gives preferential treatment to candidates from Jammu. He points out that even with reserved seats in educational institutions and government services, the disproportionate allocation means that Kashmiris are often excluded, regardless of their qualifications.

This pattern of exclusion leads to an ongoing sense of injustice, with Kashmiris being forced to watch as their peers from Jammu are granted opportunities that they are denied, despite their superior merit.

Though there have been calls for reform and redressal of these disparities, the situation remains largely unchanged. Lone has criticized the government’s failure to address these imbalances, citing the slow progress of the committee formed to address grievances. The lack of urgency and a clear timeline for action only adds to the frustration of those advocating for a more balanced reservation system.

The core issue is not opposition to reservation, but rather the way it has been implemented in a manner that undermines the very purpose of social justice. The merit of Kashmiri students and individuals has been systematically devalued by a policy that creates more harm than good for the region’s people.

The reservation policy in IIOJK is in dire need of overhaul. The blatant regional discrimination against Kashmiris cannot be ignored any longer. It is time for policymakers to rethink the reservation system to ensure that it serves the needs of all communities equally, without sidelining any particular region. Kashmiris deserve equal opportunities and fair representation in every aspect of society. It is time for justice, fairness, and merit to take precedence over political and regional biases.