December 23, 2014 —There has been massive agitation in J&K for the past several days to ameliorate the reservation policy, with demands for a more equitable system.
The movement has received special attention because the son of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah joined the protesting students in solidarity against bias.
Background of the Protests
Read a reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, which remained above the storm owing much to the historical context that followed the August abolition of Article 370, the administration, and the legalities involved.
Current reservation policies reserve about 70% of seats for different communities with only 30% for open merit, something that has prompted hate and concern too, in the minds of student bodies and professionals alike who claim it is retarding merit by giving ramps to the credible endeavors in fields like engineering and medicine.
Demonstrations By Students
For a week now, students have taken the streets of Jammu and Kashmir in peaceful demonstrations to demand a “rationalization” of the reservation system.
They claim that the existing policy is an unequal one against the meritorious aspirants. The demonstrations vary from sit-ins and marches to public discussions, symbolizing genuine pressure for reform.
Political Leaders Join the Cause
The National Conference leader MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi encouraged further protests outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Mehdi was open about what he considered open social justice.
He voiced the need for a fair reservation policy for the state Broader implications
The protests have opened up an extended debate on the balance between affirmative action versus meritocracy in J&K. Critics argue that while affirmative action aims to uplift marginalized communities, reservations in excess can inhibit overall competition and thus development.
The ongoing agitation is directed towards policies for inclusion, not trampling upon meritocratic opportunities.
Future outlook
The administrative subcommittee shall undertake consultations and solicit views from multiple stakeholder sectors regarding the reservation policy, proposing solutions.
This could impact the public attitude toward the issue, likely affecting the elections posed in the salt state. Observers feel that a balanced reform could address the angst of the protesters without eroding the solidarity, of historically disadvantaged groups.
The continuing popular unrest in Jammu and Kashmir reveals the complexities of incorporating reservation policies in a vastly pluralistic society. With the aid of some eminent political leaders and students raising their voices for change, the government’s response to such protests will eventually shape the socio-political landscape in that region.
The setting up of a review committee is a forward step towards dialogue, allowing some potential policy reforms that could bridge the gap between social justice and meritocracy.
that offered a proper balance between affirmative action and merit.
His involvement in the protests only gave a further impetus to the growing importance of the issue in the political arena, thus further pressuring the government to act to address the plight of protesters.
