Paharis to get reservation in J&K

Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

Prelims and Mains focus: about the new reservation policy in J&K; about Paharis

News: The Jammu and Kashmir Administration approved amendments to Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005, in a decision aimed at rationalising the policy and giving representation to 9.6 lakh Pahari-speaking people in the Union Territory.

Background

• After reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories and the enactment of Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, it had become imperative to rationalise the existing reservation percentage available to different categories so as to include Pahari-speaking people into the category of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs).

• Because of the remoteness and inaccessibility of the areas of their residence, the Pahari community has historically faced considerable economic distress leading to overall socio-economic backwardness.

• On one hand, they are not able to compete with other sections of the society who are better placed in terms of socio-economic position as also in terms of access to services like Education and Health Care due to above mentioned disadvantages. On the other hand, the Pahari People are not able to derive any benefit even at the lower rung in respect of getting employment. The reservation provided to them will go a long way in improving their status, educational and job opportunities.

What was the reservation policy uptil now?

As per the existing rules, there is 8 per cent reservation in direct recruitment for Scheduled Castes, 10 per cent for Scheduled Tribes, two per cent for weaker and underprivileged classes, three per cent for residents of areas adjoining Line of Actual Control/ International Border, 20 per cent for residents of backward areas, besides horizontal reservation of 6 per cent for ex-servicemen and 3 per cent for persons with disabilities.

What has changed?

• The residents of backward areas will now have 10 per cent reservation, Pahari-speaking people 4 per cent and 10 per cent quota for EWS. The SCs will continue to have 8 per cent reservation, STs 10 per cent, weaker and underprivileged classes 4 per cent, residents of areas adjoining the Line of Actual Control and the border 4 per cent, besides 6 per cent horizontal reservation for ex-servicemen and 4 per cent for persons with disabilities.

• For admission in professional institutions, there will be 8 per cent reservation for SCs, 10 per cent for STs, 4 per cent for residents of areas along the Line of Actual Control, 10 per cent for residents of backward areas, 4 per cent of Pahari-speaking people, 4 per cent for persons with disabilities, 10 per cent for EWS, among others.

• The Administrative Council (chaired by Lieutenant Governor) has directed the Social Welfare Department to redraw the reservation roster.

Eligibility

For claiming the benefit, a person

1. must be a member of Pahari clan, community or tribe having distinct cultural, ethnic and linguistic identity;
2. must be speaking Pahari language and Pahari must be his mother tongue.
3. An Aadhaar Card or Domicile Certificate is required to avail the benefit.