SRINAGAR: Er Ehtisham Khan, a social activist and Senior Vice President of The Purpose (NGO), has taken a firm stance against the recent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, saying this amendment disproportionately favors certain communities at the expense of open merit students and has sparked concern among advocates for equal opportunities.
Khan emphasized the importance of rectifying this injustice and ensuring fairness for all students. “The recent amendment allocates an overwhelming 70% quota for reserved categories, leaving only 30% for general category students, despite their significant representation in the population. This move not only violates principles of equality and meritocracy but also contradicts the Supreme Court’s ruling in ‘Indra Sawhney vs Union of India, 1993,’ which restricts reserved seats to 50% of available opportunities,” he said in a statement.
“It is crucial to uphold fairness and equality in our society,” asserted Khan. “The recent amendment undermines merit-based selection and discriminates against open merit students who equally deserve consideration for educational and employment opportunities.”
He added, “The current situation presents a glaring imbalance, where the reserved category, comprising 70% of applicants, monopolizes 100% of available positions, leaving open merit students to compete within a limited 30%. This disparity is not only unjust but also stifles the aspirations of deserving individuals.”
The Purpose urged the relevant authorities to revisit the recent amendment and ensure fairness and justice for all students. “It is imperative to establish an environment where merit is recognized and rewarded, regardless of one’s background or affiliation,” Khan said. He called upon all stakeholders to unite in building a society where every individual has an equal opportunity to succeed, free from unjust biases or systemic barriers.

  Kashmir 370

KR Desk