SRINAGAR: As the newly elected government of Jammu and Kashmir convenes its first legislative assembly session, prominent social and student rights activist Er Ehtisham Khan has issued a strong appeal to the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), particularly to the legislators of the ruling party, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference.
This session marks a historic moment in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, being the first assembly gathering after many years, and it presents an opportunity to address crucial issues that affect the region’s youth and the future of the Union Territory, he said in a statement issued here.
Khan emphasized the urgent need to address the “imbalanced” reservation policy that has long been detrimental to the merit-based open category. “The youth of Jammu and Kashmir deserves a fair and rational policy that genuinely reflects our population dynamics and rewards hard work and talent,” he said, urging the ruling party to act on the promises made in their election manifesto.
Er Ehtisham, who has been at the forefront of student advocacy and rights, highlighted the severe impact of the existing reservation structure on the open merit category, which represents a substantial segment of the population but is disadvantaged by disproportionate reservation policies. Under the current system, countless talented and deserving candidates have been left behind, denied opportunities that should rightfully be accessible based on merit, he said.
“Jammu and Kashmir is brimming with brilliant young minds who deserve a level playing field,” Khan continued. “This assembly session must serve as a platform to correct these long-standing disparities. I appeal to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and all members of the legislative assembly to act swiftly on this matter and take a bold stand for fairness and equality.”
Khan also expressed optimism that the ruling party, with its renewed mandate, will prioritize this issue in line with its commitment to the people. He hopes that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other leaders in power will rise to the challenge, addressing not only this crucial policy issue but also the larger aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, who look to this government for positive change and meaningful opportunities.
Er Ehtisham reaffirmed his and his organization’s commitment to work alongside the government for the welfare of the student community and youth at large.