Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 10: All India Backward Classes Union has (AIBCU) today highlighted the ongoing challenges and systemic neglect faced by the OBCs, SCs and STs in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a meeting of the AIBCU held under the chairmanship of Mohd Manir Mughal president of AIBCU of Pirpanjal region several key issues and demands were raised. The members expressed concern over non-implementation of OBC Reservation post-abrogation of Article 370. They said despite the abrogation of Article 370, the constitutionally mandated reservation for OBCs, as recommended by the Mandal Commission, has not been implemented in Jammu & Kashmir. AIBCU demanded immediate enforcement of OBC reservation norms, as applicable in other parts of the country.
They also referred to free and compulsory education to all the children upto 14 years in accordance with Article 21A of the Constitution, in order to bridge the educational divide and ensure equal opportunities for all. AIBCU strongly advocated for a comprehensive caste-based census, noting that the last such exercise was conducted in 1931. The Union believes that accurate caste data is essential for equitable policy formulation and implementation of welfare schemes.
They pointed out that lack of representation in Panchayats, Municipal Committees, Municipal Corporations, BDCs and DDCs is the urgent need for participation of deprived castes at grass root political administration. The Union expressed deep concern over the consistent exclusion of OBC, ST, and SC voices from decision-making processes, despite active participation in the electoral system.
While referring to the infrastructural deficit in rural and remote areas, the Union drew attention to the poor state of infrastructure in remote and underdeveloped regions of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in terms of roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare and education.
They also raised concerns over health, agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture sectors which are critical to the livelihood of rural populations and overall economic development.
Union also demanded establishment of a Hill Development Council for Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi districts.
General secretary of AIBCU Pirpanjal Ashfaq also threw light on the rights of the reserve categories.
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