Meer Irfan
The Gujjar-Bakerwal Students Alliance (GBSA) organized a protest at Jammu University today, accusing the institution of violating reservation rules in its recruitment process.
The protestors alleged that the university had allowed candidates from other states and union territories to apply for posts reserved for indigenous communities, which they claim breaches Supreme Court rulings, the Jammu Kashmir Reorganisation Act, and specific reservation guidelines for the Union Territory.
The GBSA has expressed concerns that Jammu University’s recruitment practices are undermining the reservation system, particularly for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) in Jammu Kashmir.
According to GBSA leaders, the university’s actions are in direct violation of constitutional provisions meant to protect the rights of local communities.
GBSA President at Jammu University, Irfan Chowdhary, strongly criticized the university’s administration.
Speaking to The Kashmiriyat, he said, “It is unconstitutional for Jammu University to sideline the reservation policy and discriminate against native tribal communities. The administration’s partiality is unacceptable and a direct violation of our constitutional rights.”
Sakib Choudhary, the General Secretary of GBSA, added, “Allowing non-domicile tribals to apply for posts reserved for natives is an attack on our jobs and livelihoods. This practice undermines the very purpose of reservation policies designed to protect the rights of indigenous communities.”
Mohd Ashraf, Provincial Spokesperson for GBSA, emphasized that Jammu University, being a state-funded institution, is obligated to follow the reservation rules set by the Jammu & Kashmir government.
He stated, “Jammu University is a state-funded institution where the reservation rules of the Jammu Kashmir government apply, unlike central institutions. Ignoring these rules is a clear violation of the law.”
Nazir Poswal, another member of GBSA, highlighted the unfairness of allowing candidates from outside the region to apply under reserved categories.
“Such candidates are effectively taking away opportunities meant for indigenous Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes of Jammu & Kashmir. This is a blatant injustice to the native population,” he said.
Haris Ali, another protestor, also condemned the practice. “Non-domicile candidates applying for native reserved posts is unacceptable. This discriminatory practice must be stopped immediately to protect the rights of local communities,” he said.
The protest saw a large number of students rallying together to submit their demands to the university administration.
The GBSA has called for immediate corrective measures to bring the recruitment process in line with legal reservation policies and ensure justice for the tribal communities of Jammu Kashmir.
The GBSA leadership, led by Jammu University President, has already submitted a memorandum to Tribal Affairs Minister of Jammu Kashmir, Javed Rana, requesting his intervention in the matter.
Copies of the memorandum have also been forwarded to the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor, who are the Pro Chancellor and Chancellor of Jammu University, respectively. The students are urging immediate action to address their concerns.