If the reservation system is to uphold justice and equity, it must be restructured to serve all communities fairly, without regional discrimination.
By. Peerzada Masarat
The recent data on category certificate issuance in Jammu and Kashmir has ignited a crucial debate on equity and access to opportunities. The statistics, covering the period from April 1, 2023, reveal a stark regional imbalance, raising important questions about the fairness of the reservation system. While the system is meant to uplift marginalized communities, the current application seems to disproportionately benefit one region over the other. This imbalance, particularly in government job opportunities, education, and social welfare, calls for immediate attention and reform.
The term “Reservation Rape” may sound harsh, but it aptly captures the gravity of the issue—where a system designed for inclusion appears to be skewed in a way that disadvantages an entire region. It is not just about numbers; it is about ensuring that every deserving individual, regardless of geographical location, has an equal opportunity to succeed.
A System of Unequal Benefits?
The figures speak volumes about the distribution of reservation benefits between Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu accounts for 100% of Scheduled Caste (SC) certificates, leaving Kashmir with none. In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, Jammu holds a staggering 85.3%, while Kashmir lags far behind at 14.7%. The disparity is even more pronounced in the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, where Jammu claims 92.3% of the certificates, compared to a meager 7.7% in Kashmir.
This trend persists across other reserved categories such as ALC (Actual Line of Control), IB (International Border), and RBA (Resident of Backward Area). Even in the RBA category, where Kashmir’s slightly larger population might suggest greater representation, Jammu still edges ahead with 52.8%, while Kashmir holds only 48.2%. These figures raise a fundamental question: Is the reservation system functioning equitably, or is it unintentionally favoring one region over the other?
The Plight of Kashmir’s Marginalized Communities:
For Kashmir’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) and EWS communities, the shortfall is particularly glaring. The ST certificate recipients from Kashmir constitute just 15% of the total, a figure that seems disproportionately low given the region’s demographics. Similarly, the EWS category, which is meant to support economically disadvantaged individuals, shows a disheartening gap, leaving Kashmiri beneficiaries with only a 7.7% share.
These gaps risk undermining the core intent of reservations: to provide fair opportunities for all, irrespective of geography. A reservation policy that systematically excludes or limits access for a specific region inadvertently creates a new form of marginalization, contrary to the very principles of affirmative action.
A Systematic Failure or Bureaucratic Neglect?
The disparities in certificate issuance raise several concerns:
1. Is there a bias in the verification process? The procedural requirements for obtaining these certificates could be disproportionately stringent in one region while being more accessible in another.
2. Are regional offices understaffed or inefficient? A possible explanation for the low numbers in Kashmir could be delays or inefficiencies in processing applications, discouraging applicants.
3. Is there a lack of awareness or accessibility? Many marginalized communities in Kashmir may not even be aware of their eligibility for these certificates, or they might struggle with bureaucratic hurdles that make obtaining them nearly impossible.
The Need for Immediate Intervention:
On December 10, 2024, a committee was established to examine these issues. However, the lack of a clear timeline for action—rumored to be six months—has left many concerned about the urgency of the matter. The risk of further delaying necessary reforms could deepen resentment and exclusion among the affected communities.
This is not a time for complacency but for swift and constructive action. Jammu and Kashmir’s reservation system must be refined to ensure regional balance and inclusivity.
A Call for Equitable Distribution:
The reservation system should serve as a mechanism of empowerment, not as a tool that inadvertently perpetuates regional disparities. A few key steps could help bridge the gap:
1. Transparent Review of the Certification Process: The government must conduct a region-wise audit to identify procedural barriers preventing fair distribution of category certificates.
2. Decentralization of Application Processing: Establishing more certification centers in remote areas of Kashmir could ease access for marginalized communities.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Many deserving individuals may not even be aware of their eligibility. Educational campaigns can help people understand the benefits and processes involved.
4. Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms: Regular reporting on regional disparities in certificate issuance should be made public, ensuring transparency and corrective measures.
Beyond Division: A Unified Approach:
This issue should not be framed as a conflict between Jammu and Kashmir but rather as a structural flaw that requires an inclusive solution. A reservation policy that works effectively should reflect the diverse socio-economic realities of both regions, rather than disproportionately favoring one over the other.
The ultimate goal must be to ensure that every ST, SC, EWS, RBA, ALC, and IB applicant—regardless of where they reside—has an equal opportunity to access the benefits intended for them. This is not about taking away from one region; it is about ensuring fairness for all.
The Time for Reform is Now:
The current disparities in reservation benefits demand urgent correction. Jammu’s dominance in category certificates issuance suggests an unfair allocation of resources, which must be addressed before it leads to deeper social and political divides.
It is imperative to view this as a call to action rather than a cause for division. By correcting the imbalance, the government can reinforce public trust in the reservation system, ensuring that it remains a true tool for inclusion and empowerment. The people of Kashmir, like those in Jammu, deserve a system that reflects their realities and aspirations.
“Reservation Rape” is not just a rhetorical phrase—it is a wake-up call. If the reservation system is to uphold justice and equity, it must be restructured to serve all communities fairly, without regional discrimination. Now is the moment to refine and reclaim the true purpose of reservations in Jammu and Kashmir.
(In arrangement with Straight Talk Communications. www.straight-talk-communications.com)