KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, July 16: The Jammu and Kashmir General Category Welfare Forum (JKGCWF) convened an urgent meeting today under the chairmanship of Syed Shameem Ahmad to address the recent developments in the reservation policy.
The meeting saw the participation of several key figures, including Syed Aftab Andrabi, Chief Patron; G.M. Akhoon, Chief Advisor; Farooq Ahmad Mir, Vice Chairman 1st; Nisar-ul-Kareem, Vice Chairman 2nd; and Dr. Noor Bukhari, Chief Spokesman.
Other prominent attendees included Ab Hamid Shah, State Treasurer; Qadri Mushtaq Ahmad, General Secretary; and executive members Ab Rashid Kak, Mohd Ashraf Dar, Basharat Hafeez, M Ishaq, Ab Hamid Khan, Mohd Jaffer Rather, Adil Ramzan, Feroz Ah Wani, Mir Ashraf, Showkat Tilgami, Riyaz Ahmad Bhat, and Nazir Ahmad Ganai. Additionally, district presidents Riyaz Ahmad Mir (Srinagar), Mohd Shafi Wani (Pulwama), Zahoor Ahmad Qadri (Baramulla), Mohd Muzafer Mir (Bandipora), and Gh Nabi Malik (Kupwara) were in attendance.
The members expressed deep concern over the impact of the current reservation policy on meritorious candidates from the general category. According to the existing policy, 60% of seats are allocated to reserved categories, leaving only 40% for open competition. The forum argued that this allocation is unjust to the 70% of the population that falls under the general category, claiming it undermines talent and perpetuates inequality.
During the meeting, the leaders of JKGCWF called on the government to review and revise the reservation policy. They emphasized the need for better educational facilities, scholarships, special coaching, and other amenities for the so-called weaker sections, but insisted that merit should not be compromised. They warned that the current reservation system fosters social evils and leaves meritorious candidates with no choice but to resort to unethical practices.
The general category leaders also appealed to political leaders to set aside their personal and party interests and support the cause of meritorious candidates. They urged the authorities to consider their request based on merit and to develop a revised recruitment policy that ensures justice for all, particularly the majority general category population.
The forum members congratulated the political leaders who have shown sympathy and support for the general category candidates. In conclusion, Chairman Syed Shameem Ahmad called on the general category community to unite against the current reservation policy. He encouraged them to start a decisive struggle to abolish what they described as a “cruel reservation policy” to ensure justice and a fair share for everyone.
