The inclusion of 15 new castes to the OBC category in Jammu and Kashmir highlights a progressive step toward greater social justice. This move increases the total OBC castes in the region to 42, doubling the reservation in Government jobs and educational institutions from 4 percent under the erstwhile Other Social Castes category to 8 percent. However, significant challenges remain, particularly regarding extending these benefits to the national level. Currently, only 23 of the 42 OBC castes in Jammu and Kashmir are recognised for central reservations. The newly added 15 castes, along with four previously included groups, are yet to be incorporated into the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s central OBC list. This discrepancy underscores a critical gap that must be addressed urgently to ensure equitable access to opportunities at both state and national levels. The process of inclusion in the central OBC list is procedural and requires recommendations from the Jammu and Kashmir Government to the Union Ministry. While such bureaucratic processes naturally take time, it is important that this issue be expedited. Stakeholders, including OBC bodies and political leaders, have rightly been advocating for prompt action. The delay not only perpetuates inequality but also diminishes the intended impact of the reservation policy.
Another significant development is the reservation for OBCs in Panchayat and Municipality elections. This marks the first time such a provision has been made in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with national efforts to empower marginalised communities. However, the deferment of local body polls due to the pending commission report indicates the complexities of implementing these changes. The UT Government must ensure that the commission’s recommendations are both timely and comprehensive, allowing for a swift resumption of the electoral process. Without the addition of new castes to the OBC in the central pool of reservations, the impact will be limited. Delays in addition and implementation mean missed opportunities for certain candidates. Policymakers must prioritise addressing these gaps to ensure that the intended beneficiaries can access their rightful opportunities.
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