J&K Government Announces Major Revisions to Reservation Rules
The government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a new notification (S.O. 176 of 2024) bringing significant changes to the reservation policies and rules in the region. The key highlights are:
Scheduled Tribes Reservation Increased
The reservation for Scheduled Tribes has been increased from the existing 10% to a total of 20%. This 20% quota is divided equally between:
a) Existing ST list: Bakarwal, Balti, Beda, Bot/Boto, Brokpa/Drokpa/Dard/Shin, Changpa, Garra, Gaddi, Gujjar, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi (10%)
b) Newly added groups: Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, Pahari Ethnic Group (10%)
Pahari Ethnic Group & Paddari Tribe Recognized
In a landmark move, the Pahari Ethnic Group and Paddari Tribe have been recognized and included in the Scheduled Tribes category with a 10% reservation. Clear criteria has been outlined for identification of these communities.
Other Backward Classes Reservation
The reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) remains at 8%. However, the list of OBCs has been updated to include several new communities like Christian Biradari, Sunar/Swarankar/Zargar, Perna/Kouro, Gorkan and others.
Area-based Reservations
Reservations for residents of areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control (ALC)/International Border (IB) have been set at 4%, while residents of Backward Areas will get a 10% quota.
Horizontal Reservations
The horizontal reservations for children of defense personnel (3%), paramilitary/UT police personnel (1%), and candidates with sports proficiency (2% or 1%) continue to apply.
The new rules supersede the previous S.O. 537 notification from 2022 and will govern reservations in government jobs and educational institutions in J&K. Stakeholders are advised to refer to the detailed notification for complete information.
In rule 4, the table appended thereto shall be substituted by the following table:-
(a) Scheduled Castes - 8%
(b) Scheduled Tribes - 20%
i. Bakarwal, Balti, Beda, Bot/Boto, Brokpa/Drokpa/Dard/Shin, Changpa, Garra, Gaddi, Gujjar, Mon, Purigpa, Sippi - 10%
ii. Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, Pahari Ethnic Group - 10%
(c) Socially & Educationally Backward Classes (other than SC & ST):
i. Other Backward Classes - 8%
ii. Residents of areas adjoining ALC/IB - 4%
iii. Residents of Backward Areas - 10%
(d) Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) - 10%
(e) Ex-Servicemen - 6% (Horizontal)
(f) Persons with Disabilities - 4% (Horizontal)
In rule 13, the table appended thereto shall be substituted by the following table:-
(i) Scheduled Castes - 8%
(ii) Scheduled Tribes - 20%
(Details same as Page 1)
(iii) Socially & Educationally Backward Classes (other than SC & ST):
(a) Other Backward Classes - 8%
(b) Residents of areas adjoining ALC/IB - 4%
(c) Residents of Backward Areas - 10%
(iv) Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) - 10%
(v) Persons with Disabilities - 4%
Horizontal:
(a) Children of Defence Personnel - 3%
(b) Children of Para-military Forces and UT Police Personnel - 1%
(c) Candidates possessing outstanding proficiency in sports - 2%
In rule 15, the table appended thereto, shall be substituted by the following table:-
(i) Open Merit Category - 50%
(ii) Reserved Categories:
(a) Scheduled Caste - 8%
(b) Scheduled Tribe
i. (Existing list) - 10%
ii. (Added list) - 10%
(c) Socially & Educationally Backward Classes
i. Residents of Backward Areas - 10%
ii. Residents of areas adjoining ALC/IB - 4%
iii. Other Backward Classes - 8%
(d) Children of Defence Personnel - 1% (Horizontal)
(e) Children of Para-military & UT Police Personnel - 1% (Horizontal)
(f) Candidates with outstanding sports proficiency - 1% (Horizontal)
(g) Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) - 10%
