“Affidavit filed in court in wrong way”
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 6: Minister Sakeena Itoo today said that the affidavit submitted in the High Court regarding the Reservation Policy was filed in a “wrong way,” and if required, the Cabinet Sub-Committee will submit a fresh one.
Speaking to reporters after meeting several delegations at SKICC who voiced their grievances over the existing Reservation Rules, the Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing concerns related to the Reservation Policy.
“Today, we met several delegations, and the Cabinet Sub-Committee is already working on the issue. We heard them and received their representations, which will be examined,” Itoo said, stressing that the committee will submit its report within six months.
She said the Government is serious about addressing the issues surrounding the Reservation Policy, which is why the Chief Minister constituted the Cabinet Sub-Committee.
The Minister criticised the opposition for politicising the issue, accusing them of insincerity.
“Those criticising the Government are not sincere and have done nothing themselves. The Government, on the other hand, is committed to resolving the issue and is actively working on it,” she said.
The three-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, also interacted with students and heard their concerns about the policy.
Regarding the affidavit submitted by the Government in the High Court-which sought the dismissal of the plea challenging the existing reservation-Sakeena said that if needed, the Government would file a new one.
“Whosoever submitted the affidavit did it in the wrong way. If the Cabinet Sub-Committee needs to file a new affidavit, we will do it,” she said.
Also present at the meeting were Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma (members of the Sub-Committee); Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sanjeev Verma; Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M. Raju; Secretary Law, Achal Sethi; and senior officers from the General Administration and Social Welfare Departments.
During the interaction, delegations presented their viewpoints before the Sub-Committee regarding the existing reservation policy.
While examining their concerns, the Sub-Committee assured them that the Government would consider the perspectives of all sections of society to reach an amicable solution that safeguards everyone’s interests.
The Sub-Committee also emphasized that it remains open to dialogue with all stakeholders in order to reach a cordial and fair resolution.
Er. Sameer Yousuf, who was part of one of the delegations, said he raised the issue of the affidavit and reminded the committee members that the voters who elected them deserve equal opportunity.
“We demanded rationalization. We were told our grievances would be addressed and assured that we would receive what is rightfully ours. What the Constitution guarantees us must be delivered-nothing short of that will satisfy us,” he said.
Another student, who chose not to disclose his name, said the meeting was meaningful and that all apprehensions were raised.
“Regarding the affidavit, we were told that if needed, a new one would be filed, stating clearly that the policy would be rationalized and revisited,” he said.
The Open Merit Students Association J&K said that their delegation that met the committee, highlighted how open merit has been reduced to just 30%, and how this has led to a near-complete lack of representation in jobs and educational admissions.
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