Reservation Report Back on Track as Omar Says Reply to Centre Ready | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s long-awaited proposal on reservation has moved closer to a decision, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stating on Monday that the response to clarifications sought by the Centre has been prepared and will be sent to New Delhi following Cabinet approval.

Addressing reporters, Omar Abdullah said the government had already completed its part of the exercise through the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the reservation issue.

He said the committee prepared its report, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who then sent it to the Central Government for consideration.

However, the proposal was later returned after the Centre sought certain clarifications.

“Whatever we had to do, we have done. The Cabinet Sub-Committee prepared the report and after Cabinet approval it was sent to the Lieutenant Governor, who forwarded it to Delhi. The Central Government sought some clarifications and returned the file,” Omar Abdullah said.

He added that the government has now prepared a detailed response addressing the queries raised by the Centre.

“The reply is ready. Within two or three days, there will be a Cabinet meeting which will approve the response and send it back to Delhi,” he said.

The development is significant as the reservation issue remains one of the most closely watched matters in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among students, job aspirants, and various social groups seeking changes in the existing framework.

Although Omar Abdullah did not disclose the contents of the Centre’s clarifications or the government’s response, his remarks indicate that the matter has once again resumed movement through the administrative process after a period of uncertainty. [KNT]