JAMMU, Oct 5: The Joint Action Committee of Reserved Categories (JACRC), Jammu & Kashmir, held a press conference today, expressing strong concern over what it described as a “regressive and casteist misinformation campaign” against constitutional protections and reservation policies for SC, ST and OBC communities.
The press conference was attended by a large number of retirees, social activists and youth from reserved communities. The committee reaffirmed its support for constitutional provisions aimed at promoting equality and social justice, including reservations in education and employment, Article 17 dealing with abolition of untouchability and Article 46, which promotes the educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
JACRC leaders expressed concern over recent statements allegedly made by political figures and caste-based organisations regarding reservation and affirmative action. The committee alleged that some statements were derogatory towards members of reserved communities and warned that such rhetoric could disturb social harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
The committee appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir to intervene and ensure that constitutional protections are safeguarded while maintaining peace and public order.
Speaking at the conference, Prof. G.L. Thapa, Working President, JKRCEA, said historically privileged sections had often opposed measures aimed at protecting marginalised communities. He described the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 as an important step towards strengthening equality and inclusion in higher educational institutions.
He said the regulations build upon anti-discrimination measures introduced earlier and expand protections to include groups such as Economically Weaker Sections, Persons with Disabilities and linguistic minorities.
Thapa urged the administration to take appropriate legal action against individuals or groups allegedly attempting to create social unrest. He maintained that constitutional rights and protections of marginalised communities must be safeguarded through democratic and legal mechanisms.
Mohinder Bhagat, President of Bhagat Mahasabha, referred to recent representations by SC legislators seeking resolution of long-standing issues related to reservation in promotions. He expressed concern over alleged online trolling, intimidation and political pressure faced by those supporting the demand.
Bhagat criticised statements that, according to him, undermine affirmative-action policies and urged political leaders to avoid rhetoric that could divide reserved communities or weaken constitutional safeguards.
Er. Sadiq Azad, Secretary, GDCT, stressed the need for strict implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other safeguards against discrimination. He cited several cases of alleged institutional discrimination and argued that stronger enforcement mechanisms were necessary to ensure safe and equitable educational and institutional environments.
He said the UGC equity framework should contribute towards preventing discrimination and promoting a culture of equality in higher educational institutions.
Concluding the briefing, Sham Basson of Dalit Chetna Manch called for immediate action on several issues concerning reserved categories.
The demands raised by the committee included restoration of reservation in promotions and clearance of backlogs across government departments, review of EWS and Pahari reservation provisions, rectification of roster points for SCs in direct recruitment, strict implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and fast-track implementation of the Mandal Commission recommendations.
The JACRC appealed for peace, harmony and equality while asserting that constitutional rights must be protected through democratic, legal and constitutional means.
A large number of members and representatives of reserved-category organisations participated in the press conference, including Er. R.C. Bhasin, Er. Joginder Paul, Prof. C.L. Shivgotra, M.L. Banalia, Prof. Kali Dass, R.A. Inklabi, Mohd. Latief Qureshi, F.C. Satia, Raj Kumar Chalotra, K.K. Fotra, Sham Lal Radha, Bansi Lal Choudhary, Er. G.R. Dafara, Bahadur Lal, Baldev Raj Nargotra, Bishan Dass, Dr. Rajinder Sambyal, Om Parkash, Manohar Lal, D.D. Mehra, Brij Mohan Mehra, Ramesh Chander, Bihari Lal Digra, Krishan Lal Basson, Sham Lal Bhasin, Prithvi Singh, Sunesh Bhagat, Er. Pawan Bhagat, Tara Chand, Surjit Heer, Tarsem Loach, Kuldeep Thappa, Bodh Raj and others.