Legislator likely to move bill on reservation in upcoming session of Jammu Kashmir assembly

October 8, 2025 by News Desk

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Kashmiri legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri is likely to introduce two key legislative proposals during the upcoming session of the Jammu Kashmir Assembly, which has been convened by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for October 23 in Srinagar.

A close associate of Dr. Veeri, who represents the Bijbehara assembly segment in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, told The Kashmiriyat that one bill seeks to cap reservation quotas at 40 per cent for reserved categories and 60 per cent for open merit, while the other focuses on the preservation and protection of fragile ecology of the region.

“The proposed reservation bill aims to strike a balance between social justice and merit, addressing concerns that have fueled protests across Jammu Kashmir in recent months,” he said.

In recent months, general category candidates have accused the system of favoring reserved categories, particularly in government job appointments. While some claim that nearly 70 per cent of people in the region belong to the general category, the absence of a caste census has made such assertions unverifiable.

Meanwhile, several tribal activists have strongly opposed the recent extension of reservations to new social groups, arguing that it dilutes their already limited opportunities. Many have demanded a caste census to bring clarity to the debate and ensure fair policy decisions.

Experts, however, say the issue is complex and deeply linked to Jammu and Kashmir’s social and political realities. Fahim Ahmad, a sociology expert, said that unlike other Indian states, Jammu and Kashmir remains a fragile region where affirmative action policies are intertwined with its social fabric. “Any changes to reservation policies are viewed with caution, as they could disrupt the delicate balance that successive governments have tried to maintain,” he said.

Alongside the reservation bill, Veeri’s second proposal seeks to address the worsening state of the environment in the region.

Earlier, The Kashmiriyat reported that Dr. Veeri is also set to introduce the Karewa Protection Bill, which aims to safeguard Kashmir’s ancient Karewas from unregulated mining and environmental degradation.

The proposed bill includes strict regulations on excavation and mandates Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before granting mining leases. It also seeks to designate certain Karewa lands as ecological zones to prevent further destruction of these vital plateaus that support agriculture and groundwater recharge.