Speaker rejects Lone’s adjournment motion on reservation policy

Srinagar, Oct 27: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday rejected an adjournment motion brought by Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone to discuss the government’s “failure” to rationalize the reservation policy.
After the Question Hour concluded, Lone drew the attention of the Chair to an adjournment motion he had submitted, seeking a discussion on the government’s failure to rationalize the existing reservation policy.
“I want to reiterate that reservation is a post-dated cheque. Please, don’t brush it under the carpet,” Lone urged.
As Lone pressed the issue, the Speaker ruled that the matter could not be discussed as it was neither of recent occurrence nor permissible due to its sub-judice status.
Citing Sub-Rule 3 of Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the House, the Speaker explained that an adjournment motion can only be brought on matters of recent occurrence.
“The adjournment motion should concern a matter of recent occurrence. This is not such a matter. You had also raised this issue during the budget session. A sub-committee has been formed to examine the issue,” the Speaker said.
He further pointed out, as per Sub-Rule 7 of Rule 58, an adjournment motion cannot be admitted if the matter is pending before a court of law.
“This matter is sub-judice,” the Speaker added.
According to the notice for the adjournment motion submitted by Lone, the business of the House should have been suspended to discuss the government’s failure to rationalize the existing reservation policy.
“The existing policy has severely curtailed the competitive space available to Kashmiris in public employment, promotions, and professional education. In December last year, the government constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee to examine public grievances concerning the revised reservation policy. However, despite the lapse of ten months, the committee’s report has neither been made public nor have its recommendations been implemented,” the notice reads. (KNO)