Srinagar, Sep 29: The Jammu & Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that it cannot disclose details of cabinet recommendations on reservation or queries posed by the Union Government, citing secrecy provisions under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House.
In a written reply to a question of MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge Social Welfare, said the cabinet’s recommendations had already been submitted to the competent authority but could not be shared.
“The recommendations have been submitted to the competent authority. However, in terms of Business Rule 38 of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, particularly clause (xxi), the present information sought by the Hon’ble Member being secret in nature, relating to the decision and proceedings of the Cabinet, cannot be provided,” the reply stated.
To a question about the Centre’s queries on the report, the Minister reiterated the same position, again invoking Rule 38, clause (xxi), to underline that cabinet proceedings are confidential and cannot be disclosed.
Rule 38 deals with the admissibility of questions. Clause (xxi) specifies that questions shall not seek information about matters which are secret in nature, such as cabinet decisions, proceedings, or advice tendered to the Governor where constitutional, statutory, or conventional obligations prevent disclosure.
The Minister further said that there is no proposal under consideration to relax the existing criteria for reservation under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, including the prescribed asset‑based conditions.
Asked whether the Government intends to provide proportionate representation in reservation categories, including Open Merit (OM), based on population figures once the 2027 Census data is published, the Minister said the matter would be examined in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
“The issue shall be considered as and when the publication of Census‑2027 data becomes available to the Government,” the reply stated. (KNO)
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