Jammu, January 30

To rationalise existing reservation policy and give representation to the Pahari-speaking population, the Administrative Council, that met under Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu, has approved amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules, 2005.

There are 9.6 lakh Pahari-speaking people across Jammu and Kashmir, mainly in Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla (Uri and Boniyar), Kupwara (Karna and Keran) and pockets of Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian.

In view of the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UTs and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2004, it had become imperative to rationalise the existing policy. Amendments have been approved to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Rules (2005) to include Pahari-speaking population in socially and educationally backward classes.

As per the extant reservation rules, the percentage of reservation in direct recruitment is 8 per cent to SCs, 10 per cent to STs, 2 per cent to weaker and under-privileged classes, 3 per cent to residents of areas adjoining the LAC/IB and 20 per cent to residents of backward areas.There is also a horizontal reservation of 6 per cent for ex-servicemen and 3 per cent for the physically challenged.

The Administrative Council decided to rationalise the quantum of reservation in direct recruitment, admission in professional institutions and distribution of seats in professional institutions at the PG level in medical, engineering, agriculture and other streams.

For claiming benefit under the PSP category, a person must be a member of the Pahari clan, community or tribe with a distinct cultural, ethnic and linguistic identity and his/her mother tongue must be Pahari. He/she must possess a valid identity proof which can be either Aaadhaar Card or domicile certificate. The tehsildar shall be the competent authority to certify claims of those belonging to the PSP.

The decision will give equitable representation to members of the Pahari community, thereby meeting their long-pending demand. — TNS