Day: November 22, 2024

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SRINAGAR NOV 22 (KNO):-The new reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a heated political debate, with opposition parties criticizing the policy and demanding its limitation to 50%. The policy, introduced after the region’s reorganization, includes reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC) for the first time and grants Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to hill and other tribal communities.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the new framework has expanded reservations from 43% to nearly 60%, reducing opportunities for the general category to 40%.

While the government defends the policy as a step toward social empowerment, parties like the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) argue that it compromises the representation of general category candidates in jobs and educational institutions.

NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah has issued an ultimatum to the state government, warning of a sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s residence if the policy isn’t reviewed by December 22. PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para has also called for a practical and equitable policy, stating, “Opportunities for general category people are shrinking. Reservation should be based on population ratio.”

The controversy intensified with news of recruitment for 575 lecturer posts in the education department. Of these, only 238 are allocated to the general category, while the rest are distributed among various reserved categories, including SC, ST-1, ST-2, OBC, and others. The policy change has particularly impacted the Gujjar-Bakarwal community, now classified under ST-1, while hill tribes are categorized as ST-2. This division aims to prevent dilution of existing quotas for the Gujjar-Bakarwal population.

The Congress and BJP have largely remained silent on the issue, signalling its sensitivity.

In contrast, NC and PDP have promised to review the policy if voted to power. Syed Amjad Shah, an expert on Jammu and Kashmir affairs, pointed out, “The government is the biggest employer in the region, and reservation has become a critical issue. Missteps could prove politically costly.”

Measuring the scale of the policy’s impact, Shah highlighted that 69% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population falls under the general category, yet their opportunities are shrinking. The regions of Poonch and Rajouri, on the other hand, see a near-total reservation due to the concentration of SC, ST, OBC, and other reserved communities.

The government has urged patience as it works on resolving the matter. NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah remains firm, stating, “If a decision isn’t made by December 22, I will sit on a dharna.” Meanwhile, PDP and other parties are pressing for an equitable approach, warning of the implications for equality and social harmony—(KNO)

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Addresses road safety concerns

SRINAGAR NOV 22:-Social activist Farhan Kitab has spoken out about the alarming rate of accidents in Kashmir valley, urging authorities to take immediate action to address the issue of road safety in Rajouri Kadal area of Srinagar.

Kitab, known for his advocacy work in promoting social causes, expressed his concern over the increasing number of accidents taking place at the busy intersection. He highlighted the need for better infrastructure, road signages, and traffic management to prevent further casualties.

“The safety of citizens should be a top priority for any civilized society. It is disheartening to see soon rise in accidents at Rajouri kadal chowk , something needs to be done urgently to prevent more lives from being lost,” Kitab stated.

As a committed social activist, Kitab has been actively involved in various campaigns and initiatives to improve the well-being of the community. He has previously worked on issues related to education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

He has called on local authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of the above said area and implement necessary measures to enhance safety for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Kitab’s advocacy efforts have gained widespread support from members of the community, who also echo his sentiments regarding the urgent need for action to address the road safety concerns at Rajouri kadal chowk.

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SHAKIR BHAT 

SRINAGAR NOV 22:-Division of Agriculture Extension & Communication Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir organized one day Entrepreneurship awareness programme Sponsored by (MSME) in collaboration with (The Women FPO Shining Stare) at Hanfiya Colony Arampora Sopore focusing on empowering women through their active involvement in vegetable cultivation, disease management, and the establishment of small-scale units for processing and adding value to agricultural and horticultural produce.

The programme attended by Dr Farooq Ahmad Bhat, (Assistant Professor Pathology) Dr. Rakshanda Anayat (Associate Professor Vegetable Science) and Dr. Quadri Javeed Ah. Peer, Programme Coordinator. At the outset, Dr,Quadri, formally welcomed the guests & participants and shed light on the importance of empowering women in agriculture, and emphasised about the awareness program which aims to improve the socio-economic status of rural households, increase food security, and create sustainable livelihoods. It also seeks to bridge the gender gap in agriculture, acknowledging women as key contributors to the sector.

Dr Farooq highlights the identification, prevention, and management of diseases affecting vegetable crops. He shared insights into the latest disease-resistant varieties and emphasized the importance of timely intervention to minimize losses.

Dr. Rakshanda delivered an insightful briefing on the critical involvement of women in the protected cultivation of vegetables and how this advance farming technique can empower women offering them enhanced opportunities for sustainable livelihood and economic independence.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, PG students, and extension workers, Event concludes with vote of thanks by Ph.D Scholar Mr.Rajvik.

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Says verification procedures eased, release of political prisoners once J&K gets full statehood, CSC constituted to take holistic look into reservation policy; Army must ensure through probe into Kishtwar incident, court martial soldiers if guilty, Hope to see less power curtailment this winter

SRINAGAR NOV 22(KNO):- Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said the resolution of special status passed in the Legislative Assembly recently has not been rejected and the door is open. He, however, said as far as the release of political prisoners, the government has to wait for the restoration of statehood first.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at Polo View, Srinagar, Omar as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while replying to a query about the fate of special status resolution said: “The resolution was passed by the majority of members in the Legislative Assembly. Congress members were also present in the House. It is alive and has not been rejected. The door is open. Let us get the Statehood, we will pursue the matter further.”

In reply to another query about release of political prisoners, Omar said: “Law and Order, Security continues to remain the domain of Centre. Despite this scenario, we have managed to ease the verification procedure. I made a speech in the Legislative Assembly stating that verification has been weaponised. Steps were taken to ease it out and more progress is on cards in this regard.” The Chief Minister said some people criticised the government stating that the resolution had nothing in it. “If there was nothing in the resolution, why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah talked about it frequently,” Omar asked.

He said once the J&K gets Statehood, the government will follow the cases of political prisoners and ensure their release.

About today’s cabinet meeting, Omar said that the important decision taken in today’s meeting was to constitute a cabinet sub-committee comprising three members that would take a holistic view in the backdrop of Supreme Court directives. “The Committee will submit a report to the Cabinet and we will see how far we can go to rationalise the reservation policy,” Omar said as per KNO.

To a query about alleged torture of civilians in Kishtwar, the Chief Minister said that he has seen people dying during tortures in police and security forces camps in the past. “Thank God here, nobody has died. I urge the army to probe the case thoroughly and if any misconduct by the soldiers is found, the guilty should be court martialed and punished sternly,” Omar said.

To a query whether there would be improvement in power curtailment in winters, Omar said he has directed the Power department to ensure less curtailment in the areas where there is less theft. “I am hopeful to see improved power scenario in Kashmir this winter,” Omar said—(KNO)