‘Over 3.21 lakh category certificates issued in J&K in two years’

Srinagar, Apr 4: The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued 3,21,165 reservation and social category certificates across the Union Territory over the last two years, while 1,01,436 applications were rejected and 9,346 cases are still pending, as per official data tabled in the Assembly.
The information was provided in response to a starred question (AQ No. 591) raised by MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para regarding district-wise issuance of certificates across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the official reply, certificates for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST-1 & ST-2), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Residents of Backward Areas (RBA), and Actual Line of Control/International Border (ALC/IB) are being issued under the provisions of the J&K Reservation Act, 2004 and rules framed thereunder.
The data reveals that out of the total certificates issued, Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates accounted for the highest share at 1,05,908, followed by OBC certificates at 97,179, SC certificates at 65,700, RBA certificates at 61,155, EWS certificates at 32,165, and ALC/IB certificates at 5,025.
A division-wise analysis shows that Jammu division recorded a significantly higher number of certificates at 2,86,061, while Kashmir division accounted for 35,104 certificates during the period.
In Jammu division, districts such as Rajouri and Poonch reported notably high numbers of Scheduled Tribe certificates, while Jammu, Kathua, and Udhampur districts also registered substantial figures across multiple categories.
In Kashmir division, districts including Baramulla, Budgam, Anantnag, and Kupwara recorded comparatively higher issuance, particularly under ST, OBC and RBA categories.
The data further reveals that 1,01,436 applications were rejected across the Union Territory, with 79,768 rejections in Jammu division and 21,728 in Kashmir division. Additionally, 7,859 applications are pending in Jammu division, while 1,487 cases remain pending in Kashmir division.
Among districts, Poonch (28,989), Udhampur (22,377), and Kathua (13,206) reported the highest number of rejected applications in Jammu division, while Baramulla (6,327), Anantnag (4,668), and Budgam (3,743) topped the list in Kashmir division.
Officials stated that applications are primarily rejected due to incomplete documentation, ineligibility, or verification-related issues, adding that efforts are underway to streamline the process and reduce pendency.
The government reiterated that the issuance of certificates is being carried out strictly in accordance with legal provisions to ensure transparency and equitable distribution of reservation benefits across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)