Key Highlights on OBC Reservation in Jammu & Kashmir
- Increase in OBC Castes:
- Last year, 15 new castes/groups were added to the OBC list in Jammu and Kashmir, increasing the total to 42 castes.
- Previously, there were 27 castes under the Other Social Castes (OSC) category before it was replaced by the OBC category.
- State vs. Central Reservation Benefits:
- All 42 OBC castes are currently availing 8% reservation in Government jobs and educational institutions within Jammu and Kashmir.
- However, only 23 castes are eligible for reservation benefits at the national level, as 15 new and 4 previously inducted castes are yet to be incorporated into the Central OBC list.
- Pending Inclusion in Central List:
- The inclusion of the remaining castes in the Central OBC list requires approval by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- The process involves recommendations from the J&K Government and is currently under review.
- Reservation Quota Details:
- At the national level, OBCs have a 27% reservation quota.
- In J&K, OBCs receive 8% reservation, which is an increase from the previous 4% quota under the OSC category.
- Challenges and Concerns:
- Open Merit Resentment: Concerns were raised regarding reservation exceeding 60%, leading to dissatisfaction among Open Merit candidates.
- Omar Abdullah’s Government: A Cabinet Subcommittee was formed to examine the reservation issue and submit recommendations.
- Local Body Elections and OBC Reservations:
- For the first time, OBCs were granted reservations in Panchayat and Municipal elections.
- The UT Government constituted a Commission to recommend the percentage of reservation for OBCs in local elections.
- Elections were deferred in October-November 2023 to accommodate these changes, and they will be conducted after the Commission submits its report.
- Reservations in Local Bodies:
- Women have 33% reservation in local bodies.
- SCs and STs are allocated quotas based on population, while OBCs received reservation following a bill approved by Parliament.
