Shadow Correpsondent
JAMMU, Mar 26:
The Joint Action Committee of Reserved Categories (JACRC), a coalition representing SC, ST, and OBC socio-religious groups, retirees, youth, and women, has called for the urgent restoration of reservation in promotions.
At a well-attended press conference, the committee criticized both the central and JKUT governments for failing to address the legitimate demands of these communities, including the restoration of their constitutional rights.
The JACRC leaders expressed frustration over political parties’ empty promises during election campaigns, particularly regarding reservation policies. Despite assurances from various parties, including the National Conference under Dr. Farooq Abdullah, no meaningful steps have been taken to address the issue. Although a subcommittee was formed two months ago to review the reservation policy, it has failed to engage stakeholders or make any progress. Prof. G.L. Thapa, the working president of JACRC, highlighted that the issue began in December 2015 when the High Court of J&K struck down provisions of reservation in promotions. SC/ST employees filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, which resulted in a blanket stay on the High Court order. However, the stay has not been implemented despite numerous memorandums submitted to successive governments. Prof. Thapa also pointed out that the BJP-led administration has worsened the situation by withdrawing posts meant for direct recruitment under reservation and altering the recruitment roster. The failure to fill backlog posts for SC/ST candidates and the absence of a white paper on the issue have further deepened the sense of betrayal within these communities. The committee demanded the restoration of the old recruitment roster points (3,15,27,39, etc.) instead of the new system (2,22,32,42, etc.), which they claim is detrimental to SC/ST representation. They also called for the implementation of the Mandal Commission Report in its entirety, the initiation of a caste-based census in JKUT, and the appointment of an SC member to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), a position that has been vacant for two years. Working General Secretary Mohinder Bhagat criticized SC BJP MLAs for failing to advocate for their communities. He accused them of prioritizing party agendas over the constitutional rights of SC/ST citizens. He urged these leaders to pressure the administration to implement the Supreme Court’s stay and ensure the restoration of reservation in promotions.
Er. Sadiq Azad further elaborated on the legal aspects, citing multiple court orders that support the restoration of reservation in promotions. He emphasized that despite favorable judgments from the High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), the JKUT bureaucracy has consistently misled the political leadership, delaying justice for SC/ST communities.
The press conference concluded with a warning from JACRC leaders, including Sham Basson, who stated that if their demands are not met within a reasonable timeframe, they would organize a massive rally in Jammu. The leaders reiterated their core demands: safeguarding reservation in employment and education, restoring the old recruitment roster, implementing the Mandal Commission Report, and filling the vacant SC member slot in JKPSC.
The members who attended the press conference include Er. Joginder Paul, T.C. Bavouria, G.L. Rahi, M.L. Banalia, Er. Surinder Dewagowda, Kali Dass, M.R. Bangotra , F.C. Satia, Balwant Kataria, Qureshi, Er. Pawan Bhagat, Er BR Chadgal, Bahadur Lal, K. K Fotra, Prof. C.L Shivgotra, Surjeet Singh Heer, Manoj Kumar, Gaurav Ravidasia, Sohan Badgal, Tarsem Loach, RL Bhagat, Vijay Bhagat, KL Malakay, RL Bangotra, Sunita Bangotra, Kewal Krishan, Nand Kishore, Narinder Dutt, Moti Ram , Dr Buti Ram , Dr Rajinder Sambyal, Capt Ashok Kumar, Mangat Kalsi, Mohd Latif Qureshi, Ramesh Chander Sarangal, Ajay Thapa, Krishan Lal Sangral ,Sh Dev Raj Angral, Sh Ramesh Lal, Sh Sham Kalsi, Sh Kuldeep Thappa and others.
