Jammu, February 18 (Scoop News)-: The Jammu and Kashmir Reserved Categories Employees Association (JKRCEA) convened a press conference, where representatives of various socio-religious groups, retirees, youth, and women’s wings raised concerns regarding reservation policies and constitutional safeguards for SC, ST, and OBC communities in the Union Territory.
Addressing the media, leaders of the organisation appealed to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K to restore reservation in promotions and ensure the extension of all constitutional guarantees to marginalised sections. The speakers alleged that the communities had been “misled” on the issue of safeguards following recent constitutional and administrative changes. They stated that SC/ST/OBC voters had supported the BJP since 2014 with expectations that pre-poll commitments, including reservation in promotions and implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations, would be fulfilled.
During the interaction, Prof. G.L. Thapa, Working President of JKRCEA, thanked MLA Nazir Gurezi for raising the issue of reservation in promotions in the Assembly recently. He expressed disappointment over what he described as insufficient support from certain legislators and urged elected representatives to take a stronger stand on matters affecting reserved category employees. Thapa also raised concerns about alleged incidents of social discrimination and called for strict enforcement of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, stating that communities wish to live peacefully while ensuring protection of their rights.
Working General Secretary Mohinder Bhagat elaborated on the association’s demands, urging the administration to fulfil earlier assurances regarding extension of constitutional provisions and restoration of reservation benefits. He also highlighted issues related to budgetary allocations, claiming that welfare components meant for Scheduled Castes were not adequately reflected in recent financial plans. Emphasising the need for dialogue, he appealed to the authorities to address the concerns at the earliest to avoid further dissatisfaction among employees and community members.
Senior Vice President Sadiq Azad stressed the importance of coordination between the Union Territory administration and policymakers to resolve the pending issue of reservation in promotions. He outlined several demands, including safeguarding reservation in employment and education, restoration of earlier recruitment rosters for SC candidates, and full implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations. According to him, timely policy clarity would help restore confidence among reserved category employees.
Speaking during the concluding part of the press conference, Sham Basson, President of Dalit Chetna Manch, said that community organisations would continue to advocate peacefully for restoration of constitutional safeguards. He emphasised that the association plans to monitor cases registered under the SC/ST Atrocities Act and pursue legal and democratic means to address issues related to discrimination, employment rosters, and welfare schemes. Basson also demanded restoration of statehood, initiation of a caste-based census in J&K, and revival of special welfare plans for Scheduled Castes.
The speakers collectively urged the administration to promote inclusive development and ensure that policies benefit all sections of society without discrimination. They reiterated that their movement would remain peaceful and focused on dialogue, awareness, and lawful advocacy.
Several senior members and supporters attended the press conference, including Er. Joginder Paul, Tara Chand ZEPO (Retd), R.A. Inqlabi, Er. Surinder Devgowda, T.C. Bavouria, Prof. C.L. Shivgotra, Sunesh Bhagat, G.L. Rahi, M.R. Bangotra, Surjeet Singh Heer, Er. P.K. Bhagat, Baldev Raj Nargotra, Charan Dass Shivgotra, Sagar Chand, Bodh Raj Kalsi, Kuldip Raj, Rattan Lal, Ram Lal, Om Parkash, and others.
The association concluded by appealing to both the Union Territory administration and the central leadership to address the pending issues through constructive engagement and policy measures, stating that timely action would help maintain social harmony while strengthening trust among SC/ST/OBC communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
|