j-k-cm-omar-convenes-cabinet-meeting-on-dec-3-first-after-dm

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a high-level Cabinet meeting on December 3 in which the Government is expected to take major decisions. While the issue of   increasing the open merit quota in jobs and educational institutions will be discussed in the meeting,  it is the reservation policy in the UT which is said to be the main  agenda of the cabinet meeting.

 

There is no official confirmation with regard to timing of the meeting, sources said it is likely to take place in the morning in Civil Secretariat Jammu. After annual durbar move which began after years this year, this  will be the first formal Cabinet meet in Jammu.

 

Sources said the reservation  related issues and likely restructuring of the policy will be a key discussion point as the Government plans to amend Reservation Rules to rationalize quotas in certain categories, especially Resident of Backward Areas (RBA) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), to accommodate the proposed hike in Open Merit share.

 

 

According to officials, the EWS quota capped at a maximum of 10 percent as per guidelines may see adjustments if justified by the Government. The RBA quota, once as high as 20 percent, has already been reduced to 10 percent amid concerns that influential individuals benefited disproportionately.

 

“The Government needs to cut around 10 percent from various categories excluding those mandated by Parliament like SC, ST, and OBC to enhance Open Merit to 40 percent,” sources said.

 

Currently, reservation in J&K stands at 70 percent. The highest share 20 percent goes to Scheduled Tribes (10 percent each to Gujjar-Bakerwal and Pahari Ethnic Tribes), followed by 10 percent each for RBA and EWS, eight percent for OBC, eight percent for SC, and four percent for ALC/IB residents. Horizontal reservation of 10 percent is provided to Ex-servicemen and Persons with Disabilities.

 

The Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) on Reservation was constituted on December 10, 2024, following protests by general category aspirants. It submitted its recommendations on June 10, 2025, followed by scrutiny from the Law Department.These recommendations are now expected to come up for final decision in tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting. “All decisions of the Cabinet will ultimately require approval from the Lieutenant Governor,” sources added.