The Gujjar-Bakerwal Students Alliance (GBSA) organised a protest at Jammu University on Monday, opposing the university’s alleged violations of reservation rules.
The GBSA accused the varsity of permitting candidates from other States and Union Territories to participate in its recruitment process, which, they claim, breaches the Supreme Court rulings, the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, and the reservation rules specific to the Union Territory.
Jammu University reservation rules are in clear violation of Supreme Court guidelines and an attack on the structure of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir where Dalits and Tribals are already struggling for basic facilities and equal share in the system, they said as per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
GBSA President for Jammu University, Irfan Chowdhary strongly criticised the administration, stating, “It is unconstitutional for Jammu University to sideline the reservation policy and discriminate against native tribal communities. The administration’s partiality is unacceptable and a direct violation of our constitutional rights.”
Sakib Choudhary, General Secretary of GBSA, said, “Allowing non-domicile tribals to apply for posts reserved for natives is an attack on our jobs and livelihoods. This practice undermines the very purpose of reservation policies designed to protect the rights of indigenous communities.”
Mohd Ashraf, GBSA Provincial Spokesperson, emphasised the legal obligation of Jammu University. He remarked, “Jammu University is a state-funded institution where the reservation rules of the Jammu & Kashmir government apply, unlike central institutions. Ignoring these rules is a clear violation of the law.”
Nazir Poswal from GBSA Jammu University pointed out the unfairness of allowing candidates from other states or union territories to apply under reserved categories. “Such candidates are effectively taking away opportunities meant for indigenous Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes of Jammu & Kashmir. This is a blatant injustice to the native population,” he said.
Haris Ali also condemned the practice, saying, “non-domicile candidates applying for native reserved posts are unacceptable. This discriminatory practice must be stopped immediately to protect the rights of local communities.”
The protest witnessed the participation of numerous students who joined hands to submit their demands to the university administration. The GBSA called for immediate corrective measures to align the recruitment process with the legal reservation policies and ensure justice for the tribal communities of Jammu & Kashmir.
GBSA led by Jammu University President has already submitted a copy of memorandum to Tribal Affairs Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Javed Rana and requested his intervention as well and forwarded the copies of same to Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor as well who are Pro Chancellor and Chancellor of Jammu University and request their immediate intervention in this regard
