By Ummar Jamal
Open any social media platform today, and you are greeted with posts, videos, and discussions dominated by a single contentious issue: the new reservation policy. Students are taking to the streets in protest, and those who aren’t, they can be seen channeling their frustrations through every means available. The topic of reservation is becoming pervasive. It is sparking debates that are increasingly polarized and acrimonious.
The timing of the discussion about the reservation issue, just after elections, has added fuel to the fire. Many voters, particularly the youth, had pinned their hopes on political parties they believed would bring fairness and justice to governance. With the National Conference (NC) government now in power, supported significantly by the youth electorate, public expectations are soaring. The government is seen by many as the final resort that can rectify what they view as an unjust reservation policy.
However, the government’s initial response—forming a cabinet sub-committee to review the policy—has not inspired confidence. The committee’s composition, made up of majority of members from reserved categories, has been criticized for lacking impartiality. Adding to the skepticism is the absence of a clear deadline for the submission of the committee’s findings. To many pragmatic observers, it is a tactic to buy time than a sincere attempt to resolve the issue.
Recently during a media interaction, education minister Sakina Yatoo, a member of the cabinet sub-committee, stated that commenting on the reservation issue is inappropriate as the matter is sub-judice. Such remarks make it evident how much we can realistically expect from the sub-committee.
The Litmus Test for the National Conference
For the NC government, the reservation policy represents one of the first major challenges since coming to power. The youth, who voted overwhelmingly for the party, see this as a defining moment. Their dissatisfaction with the policy was evident during the election campaign, and now they expect swift and decisive action. How the government handles this issue will be a litmus test for its ability to meet public expectations and honor its promises.
At the very least, the NC government must take steps to reverse the policy to its previous state. Restoring the status quo ante would not solve all the problems associated with reservation, but it would quell immediate tensions and bring relief to those who feel disenfranchised by the new rules. Such a move would also demonstrate that the government is listening to its electorate and is capable of acting in the public’s interest.
NC government must understand that people want them to reverse the new reservation policy immediately — long-term reforms can wait.
The Social Media Battle
The debates around reservation on social media are becoming increasingly toxic. Arguments have turned into personal attacks, with individuals from opposing sides trading barbs. The open hostility is alarming, and if left unchecked, this divisiveness could escalate into something more serious, threatening the social fabric.
One common grievance voiced by those from open merit categories is that reservations are unwarranted and lead to undeserving candidates occupying government positions. This narrative is both unfair and misleading. The difference in scores between open merit candidates and those from reserved categories is often negligible, and reserved category candidates also face intense competition within their respective quotas.
On the other hand, some individuals from reserved categories view reservations as an inherent right rather than a temporary measure to address historical injustices. This perspective has led to resistance against any reforms, including the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Yet, many right-thinking individuals within these communities recognize the need for reform and advocate for measures like sub-categorization, which could help address disparities within reserved groups.
Systemic Reforms Needed
While reversing the new policy is an immediate priority, it is clear that the reservation system as a whole needs systematic reform. Over the years, the system has strayed from its original purpose of bridging social and economic inequalities. Instead, it has often become a tool for political appeasement, leading to resentment and polarization.
Any meaningful reform must strike a balance between addressing historical injustices and ensuring meritocracy. Sub-categorization of SCs and STs, for instance, could ensure that the benefits of reservation reach the most disadvantaged within these communities. Similarly, periodic reviews of the socio-economic status of beneficiaries could help prevent the misuse of reservations by those who no longer need them.
However, these reforms require a national dialogue and consensus. They cannot be implemented hastily or without considering things thoroughly. For now, the NC government must focus on calming the immediate unrest by reversing the policy to its previous state. This would provide breathing room for broader discussions on long-term reforms.
Tailpiece
As the protests continue and the debates grow louder, will the government choose to act decisively and restore public confidence, or will it succumb to the inertia of political expediency? The answer to this question will determine not just the fate of the reservation policy but also the legacy of the National Conference government.
In the end, what is needed is not just a rollback of policies but a genuine effort to address the issue. Only then can we hope to move beyond the divisive debates and towards a future where opportunity is not a matter of privilege but a fundamental right for all.
Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
- The Author is a columnist and National President of J&K Students Association. He tweets at ummar_jamal and can be reached at [email protected]
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