Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 18: The Jammu and Kashmir Reserved Categories Employees Association (JKRCEA) strongly projected the issue of reservation in promotions for the SC, ST, and OBC communities in the Union Territory.
Addressing a press conference members of various reserved quota organisations appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K to restore reservation in promotions and ensure the extension of all constitutional guarantees to marginalised sections. The speakers alleged that the communities had been “misled” on the issue of safeguards following recent constitutional and administrative changes. They stated that SC/ST/OBC voters had supported the BJP since 2014 with expectations that pre-poll commitments, including reservation in promotions and implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, would be fulfilled.
Prof GL Thapa, working president of JKRCEA, thanked MLA Nazir Gurezi for raising the issue of reservation in promotions in the Assembly recently. He expressed disappointment over what he described as insufficient support from certain legislators and urged elected representatives to take a stronger stand on matters affecting reserved category employees. He called for strict enforcement of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, stating that communities wish to live peacefully.
Mohinder Bhagat elaborated on the association’s demands, urging the administration to fulfill earlier assurances regarding extension of constitutional provisions and restoration of reservation benefits. He also highlighted issues related to budgetary allocations, claiming that welfare components meant for Scheduled Castes were not adequately reflected in recent financial plans. Emphasising the need for dialogue, he appealed to the authorities to address the concerns at the earliest to avoid further dissatisfaction among employees and community members.
Sadiq Azad stressed the importance of coordination between the Union Territory administration and policymakers to resolve the pending issue of reservation in promotions. He outlined several demands, including safeguarding reservation in employment and education, restoration of earlier recruitment rosters for SC candidates, and full implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.
Sham Basson, president of Dalit Chetna Manch, senior members Joginder Paul, Tara Chand, RA Inqlabi, Surinder Devgowda, TC Bavouria, Prof CL Shivgotra, Sunesh Bhagat and others also spoke on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
