Budgam, Jun 15 (KNO): Student activists from across Kashmir on Monday raised concerns over the pending reservation policy issue and alleged irregularities in recent JKPSC recruitments, urging the government to ensure transparency and safeguard the future of aspirants.
Addressing a press conference after meeting Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Ruhullah Mehdi at his residence here, the student representatives, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the reservation policy introduced in 2024 was "anti-merit" and had adversely affected candidates belonging to the general category.
They said the issue was repeatedly taken up with the government and also raised by MP Ruhullah in Parliament. "The ruling dispensation had promised in its election manifesto that it would address concerns regarding the reservation policy, giving hope to thousands of young aspirants," they said.
The students said that following a peaceful protest outside the Chief Minister's residence last year, a meeting was held with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who assured them that a sub-committee had been constituted and sought six months to examine the issue.
More than a year has passed since the committee's timeline ended, but there is still no clarity about its recommendations or the status of the file, they said.
Questioning the government's handling of the issue, the activists said, "What is the purpose of having an elected government if students have to continue running from office to office for answers on issues affecting their future?"
They alleged that authorities have been giving varying explanations regarding the status of the matter, at times stating that the file is with the Lieutenant Governor's office and at other times claiming it is pending with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
"When the government can raise and pursue other political issues, why is it not showing the same seriousness towards the reservation issue that concerns thousands of young people?" they asked.
The student representatives also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in recent JKPSC lecturer recruitment examinations. They claimed that several aspirants from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir had expressed apprehensions regarding the recruitment process and demanded a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations.
They further alleged that some aspirants raising concerns about the recruitment process had been facing pressure and intimidation. "If individuals lacking merit enter the teaching profession through corrupt means, it could adversely affect the quality of education and the future of students," they said.
The representatives said they had submitted a memorandum to MP Ruhullah, seeking his intervention in the matter. They also appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister to order a transparent investigation into the allegations and take measures to restore confidence in the recruitment system.
Referring to the Chief Minister's recent remarks advising youth to stay away from politics, the activists said, "Both the reservation issue and recruitment-related concerns directly affect the future of thousands of educated youth and therefore require immediate attention from the authorities."
"If our concerns continue to be ignored, young people may feel compelled to enter politics themselves because no other avenue is being left open to them," the activists said—(KNO)