Srinagar, June 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet is scheduled to meet in Srinagar today, with the government’s response to the Centre’s queries on the reservation report expected to dominate discussions. The meeting, to be chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat, is also likely to review several developmental proposals and administrative matters.
Official sources said the Social Welfare Department (SWD) has completed a detailed exercise to address questions raised by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the reservation report prepared by the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC). The response, formulated after extensive scrutiny of the data and recommendations contained in the report, is expected to be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
Sources said that once cleared by the Cabinet, the response will be forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and subsequently sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further consideration.
The Centre had earlier sought clarifications on the methodology and data used by the CSC while recommending changes in reservation percentages, particularly concerning the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Resident of Backward Areas (RBA) categories.
According to officials, the Social Welfare Department undertook a comprehensive review over the past several weeks to prepare a detailed reply addressing all concerns raised by the MHA. The finalized response has already been submitted through the General Administration Department and is now awaiting Cabinet approval.
Sources indicated that while several departments have submitted agenda items related to development projects, administrative decisions and promotion matters, the reservation issue is expected to receive top priority during the meeting due to its significance and public interest.
The reservation report had earlier been approved by the Cabinet and proposed an increase in the share of Open Merit seats and posts by revising certain reservation quotas. The recommendations were subsequently forwarded for further examination and statutory processing.
Officials said today’s deliberations are crucial as the government seeks to move forward on the reservation issue after addressing all observations made by the Central Government. The Cabinet is also expected to review a number of development-related proposals aimed at strengthening infrastructure and public services across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting marks the first Cabinet session in nearly one-and-a-half months and is being closely watched for decisions on both reservation policy and developmental initiatives. (KNC)
