SRINAGAR: There is unlikely to be a reversal of the 10% ST reservation carved out for the Pahari community in J&K, National Confernce sources said Wednesday, arguing that rolling back the quota could lead to agitations which would not be in the interest of the new party-led govt. The reservation, unveiled ahead of the J&K assembly polls, results of which were declared Tuesday, was seen as part of political quid pro quo struck by BJP with the Pahari community. But, BJP failed to win in Rajouri and Poonch areas which are populated by Paharis.
The quota issue remains a heartburn among the youth and the non-reserved classes as total reservation in J&K has increased to 70%, majorly shrinking the space for open merit. During the poll campaign, protesters had demanded that the new govt reverse the policy, with claims that the 10% quota is disproportionately higher to the population of the beneficiaries. Out of the eight seats in Poonch and Rajouri, BJP could win only Kalakot, while NC won four, two went to Independents and one to Congress.
These are the pockets where BJP had high hopes of expanding its footprint. Ahead of the polls, the UT administration announced 10% reservation for Paharis and three other communities, besides the existing 10% ST reservation that includes Gujjars/Bakarwals. NC sources ruled out a revision, arguing that quota is a sensitive subject, and taking back what has been given can touch off protests which would not be in the interest of the new regime.
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