Reservation issue: Reply to Centre ready, says Omar

Srinagar, Jun 15: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s much-awaited proposal on reservation has moved a step closer to a decision, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announcing that a response to clarifications sought by the Centre has been prepared and will be sent to New Delhi after Cabinet approval.
Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said the government had already completed its part of the exercise through the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the reservation issue.
The Chief Minister, said that the committee prepared its report, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor before being sent to the Central Government for consideration.
However, the proposal was later returned after the Centre sought certain clarifications.
“Whatever we had to do, we did it. The Cabinet Sub-Committee prepared the report and after Cabinet approval it was sent to the Lieutenant Governor, who forwarded it to Delhi. The Central Government sought some clarifications and returned the file,” Omar Abdullah said.
He added that the government has now prepared a response addressing the queries raised by the Centre.
“The reply is ready. Within two or three days there will be a Cabinet meeting which will approve the response and send it back to Delhi,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks are significant as the reservation issue has emerged as one of the most closely watched matters in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among students, job aspirants and various social groups seeking changes in the existing reservation framework.
While Omar Abdullah did not disclose the contents of the clarification sought by the Centre or the details of the government’s response, his statement indicates that the matter is once again moving through the administrative process after a period of uncertainty. [KNT]