SRINAGAR: As the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly officially commenced, social and student rights activist and Co-founder of The Purpose (NGO), Er Ehtisham Khan, has issued a strong appeal to Members of the Legislative Assembly across party lines to rise above political convenience and press for the long-pending rationalisation of the reservation policy.
Khan, in a statement issued here, expressed deep concern that despite repeated assurances, public commitments, and explicit promises made during election campaigns, particularly by the ruling National Conference, no tangible legislative effort has yet been made to address what he termed as a “structural injustice pushing the majority of the population into perpetual disadvantage.”
“With the Assembly now in session, there can be no more excuses. The people were promised correction, not consultation without conclusion. Rationalisation of reservation was not a footnote in the manifesto; it was a core assurance. Prolonged silence today only translates into betrayal tomorrow,” Er. Ehtisham Khan said.
Referring to the recent developments inside the House, Khan termed it “deeply unfortunate” that the amendment moved by MLA Handwara Mr. Sajad Gani Lone, seeking to raise the issue during the Lieutenant Governor’s address, was disallowed by the Speaker.
“I strongly applaud Mr. Sajad Gani Lone for taking a principled stand and attempting to give voice to a legitimate public concern on the floor of the House. The decision to take down such an amendment sends a disturbing message at a time when democratic institutions are expected to reflect public sentiment, not suppress it,” he remarked.
Khan also acknowledged the consistent and vocal stance taken by Sajad Gani Lone, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para and Sheikh Khursheed along with other political leaders who have publicly spoken on the need for reservation rationalisation, stating that such voices represent “the conscience that still survives within the political ecosystem.”
Highlighting the evolving relationship between the elected government and Lok Bhavan, Khan pointed out that recent approvals, including the clearance of the government’s advisor-related file, indicate a working equation between the two constitutional authorities.
“If the government itself claims that files are lying with the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s office, and if coordination has indeed improved, then this is precisely the moment to push, press, and pursue resolution. Political will is tested not in rhetoric but in timing,” he asserted.
Er. Ehtisham Khan reiterated that allowing nearly 70 percent of the population to compete for a shrinking fraction of opportunities, while the remaining seats are effectively inaccessible, is neither equitable nor sustainable.
“You cannot condemn an entire generation to uncertainty and call it social justice. What remains for the so-called open category today is not opportunity, but survival. District-wise and divisional-based recruitment remains the most practical and balanced remedy to restore faith in the system,” he said.
Calling upon the MLAs of the ruling party in particular, Khan urged them to “face political reality with honesty and courage,” reminding them that governance begins where electoral slogans end.
“This Assembly session will be remembered — either as a moment when lawmakers chose courage over comfort, or as another chapter where time was deliberately bought at the cost of youth aspirations,” he concluded.