Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Oct 26: Fairoz Khan, senior leader, Indian National Congress and former National president, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), today expressed deep concern over the proposed elimination of the Resident of Backward Area (RBA) quota, terming it a grave injustice to the people of the Chenab region and other remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference at Ramban, Khan said the move would face “a long and determined struggle” from the people. “The RBA quota was not a privilege but a right earned after decades of neglect,” Khan said.
“It was a corrective measure to uplift communities living in geographically and economically disadvantaged areas. By eliminating it now, the government is snatching away the ladder of education and employment from our youth just when they were beginning to climb. This is a direct assault on their dignity and their future.”
Questioning the Government’s rationale, he asked, “On what scientific basis has this decision been taken? Has there been a new socio-economic survey proving that the Chenab region has suddenly become developed? The truth is quite the opposite. By taking away the RBA quota, the Government is pushing our children back into darkness,” he said.
Khan reminded that the RBA quota, once 20 percent, was already reduced to 10 percent, and now efforts are being made to eliminate it entirely. “This cannot be tolerated,” he said firmly.
“The Chenab region—comprising Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, and Reasi—remains one of the most backward areas in the Union Territory and some other areas of UT also. Its youth, students, and families continue to face huge challenges in education, employment, and infrastructure. Any move to remove this quota is a betrayal of those who need it the most,” he asserted.
Khan urged the Government to take immediate corrective action, including
immediate suspension, revoke any committee decision that reduces or eliminates the RBA quota. Issuing a warning, he said, “If the RBA quota is eliminated or reduced any further, we will launch a sustained agitation.”
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