Jammu, Dec 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a crucial Cabinet meeting in Jammu, with the reservation policy dominating the agenda. The meeting, held at 9 am following the annual Durbar Move, is the first formal Cabinet session in the winter capital this season.
Officials said the Cabinet is discussing the report of the Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Social Welfare Minister Sakina Ittoo, which has recommended a 10 percent reduction in quotas for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Residents of Backward Areas (RBA). The panel has advised against changes in Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, Other Backward Class, and border categories.
The government is expected to amend Reservation Rules to accommodate the rationalization, with proposals to increase the Open Merit quota in jobs and educational institutions from the present 30 percent to 40 percent. Sources said the decision could have a significant impact on recruitment and admissions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Today’s meeting is being closely watched as it marks the first formal Cabinet session after the Durbar Move to Jammu. Authorities said the outcome will shape the reservation framework and address long-standing demands for rationalization in the system.
