50% representation for open merit examined by Cabinet Sub-Committee: Govt

Srinagar, Sep 25: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that the issue of ensuring 50 percent representation for Open Merit candidates in recruitment and admissions has been examined by a Cabinet Sub-Committee, whose recommendations have been approved by the Council of Ministers and forwarded to the competent authority for consideration.
The government, stated this in response to an un-starred question raised by MLA Shabir Ahmad Kullay (Shopian), who sought to know whether the issue of reservation of Open Merit candidates in recruitment in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir had been repeatedly raised in earlier Assembly sessions.
In its reply, the government said, “Yes, Sir.”
On whether the government had examined the proposal for ensuring 50 percent representation for Open Merit candidates in accordance with applicable constitutional and judicial provisions, the government said that a Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted vide Government Order No. 2061-JK (GAD) of 2024 dated December 10, 2024.
The committee examined the existing reservation structure in detail and submitted its report/recommendations to the Council of Ministers, the government said.
“The Council of Ministers approved the recommendations and forwarded the matter to the competent authority for consideration,” it said.
Regarding whether the proposal was placed before the Lieutenant Governor for consideration and approval, the government said the position was “same as above”.
On measures being taken to ensure a fair and equitable balance between reserved and Open Merit categories in recruitment and admissions, the government said appropriate measures were being taken.
It said the Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted to address grievances raised by different stakeholders and rationalise reservation quotas across all categories.
The government reiterated that the committee, constituted under Government Order No. 2061-JK (GAD) of 2024 dated December 10, 2024, examined the existing reservation structure in detail and submitted its report/recommendations to the Council of Ministers.
“The recommendations thereafter stand submitted to the Competent Authority,” the government said. (KNO)