Shadow Correspondent
Kupwara, July, 12
A delegation from the OBC Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) recently held a significant meeting with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kupwara, Srinagar. This meeting was led by Madam Shamima Rehman, Vice Chairman of the OBC Department, JKPCC, along with key members including Ab Rashed Sheikh, Joint Coordinator JKPCC; Mushtaq Ahmad Sharjouri, District Chairman OBC Department Congress Party Kupwara; Shahid Aziz; Manzoor Ahmad Shar Gajoriuri; Latief Sheikh; Ab Ahad Sharjouri; Manzoor Ahmad Dar; Smt Sayada Begum; Mohd Sadique Hajam; Ab Razaq Sheikh; Gh Mohd Ud Din Hajam, and several others. The delegation aimed to address pressing issues affecting the OBC community and advocate for significant policy changes and implementations to uplift the marginalized sections of society.One of the primary issues discussed was the abolishment of the creamy layer in OBC reservations. The creamy layer refers to the relatively wealthier and better-educated members of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), who are often excluded from reservation benefits. The delegation argued that excluding the creamy layer undermines the spirit of affirmative action, leaving a significant portion of the OBC population without access to opportunities. They emphasized that for true social justice, the reservation system should be all-encompassing, allowing all members of the OBC community to benefit equally, regardless of their economic status.
Another critical topic of discussion was the caste census. The delegation underscored the necessity of conducting a comprehensive caste census to obtain accurate data on the demographics of various caste groups. Such data is crucial for formulating effective policies and ensuring equitable resource allocation. The absence of a caste census leaves policymakers with an incomplete understanding of the social fabric, leading to skewed resource distribution and policy formulation. The delegation urged the DC to advocate for the inclusion of a caste census in the national census, emphasizing that accurate data is the bedrock of informed policymaking.
The demand for 27% reservation in all sections as per the Mandal Commission report was another pivotal point of the meeting. The Mandal Commission, established in 1979, recommended reservations for OBCs in public sector jobs and educational institutions to correct historical injustices and provide equal opportunities. The delegation reiterated that the full implementation of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations is essential for achieving social equity. They pointed out that despite the legal provisions, many OBCs still face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing these reserved positions. By ensuring that 27% of positions in all sectors are reserved for OBCs, the government can take a significant step towards leveling the playing field.
Political reservation was also on the agenda, with the delegation calling for guaranteed representation for OBCs in every sphere: Panchayat and Rural Development (for PRIs), the Department of Urban Administration and Development (for ULBs), assembly elections (MLA), and Member of Parliament positions. Political representation is crucial for the empowerment of marginalized communities, as it ensures that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. The delegation stressed that without adequate representation in political bodies, the concerns of the OBC community are likely to be overlooked. They advocated for amendments to existing policies to ensure that OBCs have a substantial and meaningful presence in local governance structures.
The meeting also addressed the issue of disparities in the calculation of the creamy layer in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation expressed concerns that the current method of determining the creamy layer is flawed and leads to injustices within the OBC community. They called for a review and revision of the criteria to ensure that the benefits of reservations are extended to those who genuinely need them. The delegation emphasized that an accurate and fair calculation of the creamy layer is vital for the effective implementation of affirmative action policies.
This significant meeting was initiated by Modan Lal Chalotra, Chairman of the OBC Department, JKPCC, with a vision to engage with every district administrator (DC) across Jammu and Kashmir. The overarching goal of this initiative is to ensure that the concerns of the OBC community are addressed at the grassroots level and to advocate for the full implementation of the Congress manifesto in the region. The manifesto outlines several key objectives aimed at promoting social justice, including the abolition of the creamy layer, the conduct of a caste census, and the provision of adequate political representation for OBCs.
The delegation’s efforts to engage with the DC of Kupwara highlight the importance of local-level advocacy in achieving broader policy changes. By directly interacting with district administrators, the delegation aims to create a ripple effect that will eventually lead to state and national-level reforms. This approach underscores the belief that meaningful change often starts at the local level, where the impact of policies is most acutely felt.
In conclusion, the delegation from the OBC Department of the JKPCC’s meeting with the DC of Kupwara was a significant step towards addressing the issues of social justice for the OBC community.
