Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 28: The OBC Cell/Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) today discussed the issue of rationalization of reservation by the Government.
The meeting in this connection was held at the Party office, Jammu, under the chairmanship of Madan Lal Chalotra, Chairman, OBC Department of the J&K PCC. It was attended by Jagdish Kashyap, Joint Coordinator OBC Department; Amit Mehra, State Coordinator; Prem Sagar, Joint Coordinator; Shamshar Bhagat, Vice Chairman SC Department J&K PCC; Ajaz Ahmad Ganai, Chairman OBC Department District Kishtwar; Nisar Ahmad Lohar, Secretary OBC Department District Doda; Dewan Chand, Chairman SC Department District Jammu; and Sonu Gandhi, OBC Youth leader Congress Party.
The meeting discussed in detail various crucial aspects related to the rationalisation of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed serious concern over the unconstitutional dilution of OBC rights. Members unanimously condemned the arbitrary implementation of Articles 243D(6) and 243T(6) of the Constitution of India, which provide for the reservation of seats for OBCs in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
State Coordinator Amit Mehra stated that despite the clear directions of the Supreme Court the J&K administration has failed to ensure a constitutionally valid and data-driven reservation structure for OBCs. He underlined that the triple test formula laid down by the Supreme Court – including– constitution of a dedicated OBC Commission, collection of empirical data on OBC population, and proportionate reservation based on that data – has been conveniently ignored. He remarked that such selective and manipulative governance is a direct injustice to the backward communities of Jammu and Kashmir.
ML Chalotra highlighted that OBCs have been historically deprived of their due political representation in local governance structures. He added that the Government’s move to sideline OBCs under the pretext of reservation rationalisation is not only unconstitutional but also a betrayal of the principle of social justice. He OBC Department of JKPCC will approach the High Court to seek justice and uphold constitutional rights.
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