14/09/2026
A REMINDER TO THE GOVERNMENT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR
OBCs Cannot Be Kept Waiting for Constitutional Justice
From: Mohammad Latif Qureshi
Chairman, All India Backward Classes Union (Regd.)
Through the print and electronic media, I once again draw the attention of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir towards the long-pending and legitimate demands of the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) of Jammu & Kashmir.
The issue is not merely about a percentage of reservation; it is about constitutional justice, equal opportunity and the rightful representation of socially and educationally backward sections in public employment, education and democratic institutions.
The Mandal Commission Report was the outcome of an extensive exercise to identify socially and educationally backward classes and recommend measures for their advancement. Its recommendation of 27% reservation for OBCs in Central Government services was subsequently examined by the Supreme Court in the landmark Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) judgment. The Supreme Court’s own records acknowledge that the majority upheld the 27% reservation for backward classes within the constitutional framework. (Sci API)
OUR DEMAND IS CLEAR
The Government of Jammu & Kashmir must urgently address the historical gap between the constitutional promise of equality and the actual representation of OBCs in the Union Territory.
We therefore reiterate the following demands:
1. JUST AND ADEQUATE OBC RESERVATION
The OBC population of J&K must receive reservation commensurate with the constitutional principles of social justice and the applicable legal framework. The Government must undertake a transparent review of the existing quota and remove every artificial barrier preventing OBCs from receiving their due share.
2. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANDAL PRINCIPLE
The Government must acknowledge that the principles underlying the Mandal recommendations and the law declared in Indra Sawhney constitute an important foundation of India’s reservation jurisprudence. The issue cannot be indefinitely postponed or diluted through administrative classifications.
3. PROPER VERTICAL RESERVATION
Reservation for OBCs must operate as a genuine vertical reservation, with a properly maintained cadre-wise roster so that the prescribed representation is actually achieved and not merely reflected on paper.
The Supreme Court has clarified that reservation percentages are to be assessed with reference to the cadre strength and roster, and that shortfall in representation cannot simply be ignored. (Sci API)
4. EFFECTIVE HORIZONTAL RESERVATION
The Government must also ensure proper implementation of horizontal reservation wherever constitutionally and legally applicable, including for women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and other eligible horizontal categories, without frustrating the substantive entitlement of OBCs.
5. END THE DUAL-CERTIFICATE DIFFICULTY
Eligible OBC citizens should not be forced to face unnecessary procedural complications because of different certificate requirements. The Government must simplify and rationalise the certification system and ensure that genuine OBC candidates are not deprived of opportunities merely on technical grounds.
6. PROTECT THE BACKLOG AND SHORTFALL
All identified backlog/shortfall vacancies belonging to OBCs must be properly assessed, notified and filled in accordance with law. A reservation that remains unfilled year after year cannot be described as meaningful social justice.
7. REPRESENTATION IN EDUCATION AND PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
The principle of equitable representation must extend beyond government employment to educational opportunities and other areas where reservation is legally applicable.
JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED
For decades, the OBC communities of Jammu & Kashmir have been asking for representation, dignity and equal opportunity—not charity.
The Government should therefore constitute a time-bound mechanism to examine the present status of OBC representation, calculate the actual shortfall against the applicable quota, examine the working of the roster, and place the findings in the public domain.
The people of Jammu & Kashmir deserve a reservation policy that is transparent, constitutionally compliant, socially just and effectively implemented.
We appeal to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Government and all concerned authorities to treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves and take immediate corrective measures.
The OBCs are not asking for favour.
They are asking for their rightful share in justice.
JAI BHARAT 🇮🇳
JAI SAMVIDHAN 🇮🇳
SOCIAL JUSTICE — EQUAL OPPORTUNITY — EQUAL REPRESENTATION
Mohammad Latif Qureshi
Chairman,
All India Backward Classes Union (Regd.)
