Thu Jun 19 21:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Government is facing criticism for the delayed finalization of a report regarding the rationalization of reservation categories in the Union Territory. This report, initiated after new categories were added and the open merit category significantly reduced in 2024, has been with the Law Department for legal review for months, with no deadline in sight. Opposition parties and student activists are demanding transparency and the public release of the report, accusing the ruling National Conference (NC) government of inaction, delaying tactics, and potentially perpetuating policies implemented under previous central rule that disproportionately disadvantage open merit candidates. They argue this delay fuels instability and disillusionment among youth in the region.
**News Article:**
**J&K Government Faces Backlash Over Stalled Reservation Reform Report**
*Srinagar, June 20, 2025* – The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Government is under fire for the slow progress in finalizing a crucial report on the rationalization of reservation categories in the Union Territory. The report, initiated following significant changes to the reservation system in 2024, including the addition of new categories and a reduction in the open merit quota to under 40%, has been languishing with the Law Department for months awaiting legal vetting.
The Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC), formed by the ruling National Conference (NC) to address the reservation issue, submitted its report to the Law Department. Opposition parties are now expressing outrage at the delay and demanding the immediate public release of the document.
“Despite the six-month deadline, the Cabinet has neither offered clarity nor transparency on the report,” said student rights activist Engineer Ehtisham Khan, accusing the NC government of “keeping the open merit aspirants in the dark yet again.”
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehmaan Parra echoed these sentiments, stating that the delay has left “thousands of students heartbroken and disillusioned.” He criticized the NC for failing to reverse policies implemented under previous central rule. “The party that promised to reverse the BJP’s damage is now complicit in continuing it,” he stated, warning of potential instability if the youth are not offered hope.
J&K Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone accused the government of being “clueless on reservations,” while J&K Apni Party (JKAP) president Altaf Bukhari urged the government to set a firm timeline for resolving the issue and called for a “more judicious reservation policy.”
The contentious issue revolves around a revised reservation quota implemented in 2024 that significantly reduced the open merit category. Critics argue that the current policy is flawed and undermines merit, while supporters contend that it provides necessary representation for marginalized communities. The government’s delay in addressing the issue is fueling growing frustration and demands for transparency. The lack of a firm timeline for a decision has only heightened tensions, raising concerns about potential unrest and further destabilization in the region.
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