Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 5: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of reserved categories of Jammu and Kashmir, comprising over three dozen associations representing Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and religious minorities, has unanimously expressed support for the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
In a press conference, JAC leaders strongly condemned what it termed as threatening and inflammatory statements allegedly made by certain self-styled leaders of a few upper-caste organizations opposing the UGC Equity Regulations. The committee alleged that such statements were aimed at provoking social unrest and disturbing communal harmony. It urged the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of the Union Territory to take firm action against individuals using provocative language and to invoke stringent legal measures to curb such activities.
Prof GL Thapa, working president of JKRCEA, said that resistance to welfare legislation for SCs, STs and OBCs has been a recurring pattern, citing earlier opposition to the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Mohinder Bhagat, president of Bhagat Mahasabha, said that effective implementation of such laws could prevent incidents of discrimination and institutional injustice. He termed caste-based opposition to equity measures as detrimental to social cohesion.
Sham Basson, president of Dalit Chetna Manch, highlighted the role of Equal Opportunity Centres in higher education institutions in promoting fairness, inclusion and grievance redressal.
The JAC also reiterated long-pending demands, including restoration of reservation in promotions, correction of roster points for SCs in direct recruitment, effective implementation of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and fast-track implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.
The members who attended the press conference include RA Inqlabi (social activist), Prof Kali Dass (AIBCU), Prof CLShivgotra (AJKGRDS), MR Bangotra, FC Satia (AIBCF), KK Fotra (president Sain Samaj), Dr Rajinder Samyal (president, Dr BR Ambedkar Welfare Association), Sunita Bangotra (president, Savitri Bai Phule Sangathan), Bahadur Lal, Mukhtiar Kalia and Narinder Dutt Bhagat.
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