Official government data presented in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has highlighted significant regional disparities in the issuance of reservation category certificates between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. In response to a cut motion raised by Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the administration revealed that out of a total of approximately 11.81 lakh certificates issued across seven reserved categories, 86% were granted in the Jammu region, while only 14% went to Kashmir. This imbalance has sparked renewed debate over equitable access to reservation benefits, which are intended to support marginalized communities in government jobs, education, and other opportunities.
The disparities are particularly pronounced in certain categories. In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) segment, Jammu accounted for over 92.5% of certificates (693,781 out of roughly 750,000 total), compared to just 7.4% in Kashmir. The gap widens further in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, where more than 98% of certificates (139,664 out of 141,419) were issued in Jammu, leaving Kashmir with only about 1.24%. Other categories also show Jammu's dominance: Other Backward Classes (OBC) at around 59.8% for Jammu versus 40.2% for Kashmir, while all International Border (IB) certificates were exclusively issued in Jammu. The Reserved Backward Area (RBA) category was more balanced, with Jammu at 50.5% and Kashmir at 49.4%.
These figures reflect long-standing concerns about demographic and socio-economic differences between the two divisions. Jammu has historically had larger populations qualifying under SC and certain ST sub-groups, as well as proximity to international borders and specific backward areas that influence certificate issuance. In contrast, Kashmir has led in some sub-categories like certain backward areas in earlier data sets, though overall trends favor Jammu. The data underscores how reservation policies—currently capping vertical quotas at 50% (with additional 10% for Economically Weaker Sections)—translate into practice, often amplifying regional imbalances despite uniform application across the Union Territory.
Also Read: Bharat Bandh Disrupts Banking And Transport Services In Multiple States
The revelation has drawn criticism from political figures, with Sajad Lone describing the skew as evidence of systemic inequity that disadvantages Kashmir despite comparable socio-economic indicators in some areas. Opposition voices have called for a review to ensure fairer distribution aligned with population proportions and actual need. The government maintains that reservation policies aim for equitable development of deserving sections while preserving merit, and no region-specific quotas are under consideration. Recent discussions in the Assembly have also touched on potential rationalization of quotas to boost open merit opportunities.
The disclosure comes amid ongoing debates over J&K's reservation framework following post-2019 changes and recent policy reviews. While essential services and broader governance remain unaffected, the data has intensified calls for transparency and possible reforms to address perceived regional inequities, ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries more proportionally across the Union Territory.
Also Read: CBSE Shakes Up 2026 Boards: Second Class 10 Exams and Digital Marking for Class 12