SRINAGAR: Er Ehtisham Khan, a dedicated social & Student Rights activist and Senior Vice President of The Purpose (NGO), has expressed deep concern over the recent amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.
“The new reservation policy has severely marginalized open merit students, who, despite comprising approximately 70% of the population, have been allocated the minimum share of opportunities in government jobs and educational institutions,” Er Khan said in a statement issued here.
Khan has previously advocated for these grievances to the concerned authorities, including a direct appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. However, no significant action has been taken to address the issue, leaving the future of open-merit students in jeopardy, he said.
According to Er Ehtisham, a group of students approached him, requesting his advocacy on this critical issue. “These students approached me in distress, seeking help against a policy that unfairly marginalizes them. They emphasized that the new reservation policy should not be implemented in the forthcoming NEET UG 2024 examination,” he said. “We are simply asking for a fair chance. This policy is pushing our future into darkness.”
The new policy reserves around 70% of positions for various categories, leaving merely 30% for the general category, which comprises the majority of the population, Er Ehtisham said, adding, “This disproportionate allocation undermines the principle of merit and equity, placing open-merit students at a severe disadvantage. “This policy is not just unfair; it is a direct attack on the principles of meritocracy and justice.”
Khan has sought the intervention of Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to them to raise this critical issue in the Parliament of India. “As representatives of the people, it is crucial that they advocate for a fair and just policy that does not discriminate against any community,” he urged. “The future of our open merit students is at stake, and it is imperative that their concerns are heard and addressed at the highest levels of government.”
Er Ehtisham also emphasizes that the new reservation policy should not be implemented in the upcoming NEET UG 2024 examination. “A thorough review of the policy is required to ensure it aligns with principles of fairness and justice.
“We are not against any individual or community,” said Ehtisham Khan. “We are advocating for the rights of the open merit student community, which has been pushed to the brink. It is high time that we address this issue and ensure a fair distribution of opportunities for all students. Our demand is simple: equality and justice for all.”
Ehtisham Khan calls upon all stakeholders, including media journalists, to support this cause and help bring attention to this pressing issue.