JAMMU, Oct 1: The Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha (DBPS) on Thursday demanded a review of the existing caste-based reservation system, advocating greater consideration of economic backwardness and merit while extending government support and benefits.
Interacting with media persons, DBPS President Ved Parkash Sharma said economic disadvantage, rather than caste alone, should be considered while determining eligibility for government assistance. He called for a review of reservation policies and sought greater support for economically weaker sections, particularly in areas such as education, coaching and scholarships.
Former Deputy Commissioner B.S. Jamwal, DBPS Chairman and former Additional Advocate General Advocate P.C. Sharma, and Bawa Bhair Dev Sathan Trust General Secretary Ramesh Sharma, along with representatives of various religious and social organisations and prominent personalities, participated in the interaction.
The speakers argued that financial circumstances should also be taken into account while deciding eligibility for government assistance. They said economically disadvantaged persons, irrespective of their caste, should receive support for education, coaching and other essential needs.
The DBPS representatives said social and economic circumstances had changed considerably over the decades and called for a wider discussion on whether the existing framework requires review. They stressed that economic disadvantage should be addressed while ensuring that government support reaches those who need it.
The Sabha also sought enhanced benefits for people classified under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category. It further demanded the publication of a white paper on the outcomes of the reservation system and called for establishing minimum qualifying standards for educational admissions.
The representatives also raised the issue of quota within quota, arguing that such a mechanism could help ensure that benefits reach the most marginalised sections within eligible groups.
Those present included N.C. Sharma, M.L. Sharma, Subash Shastri, Jagan Nath Sharma, K.L. Sharma, M.L. Padha, Sunil Sharma, Soujanya Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Ritiz Khajuria, Girdhari Lal Sharma, Davinder Sharma (Baboo), Gurdas Sharma, Barita Ram Sharma, Shiv Ram Sharma, Raman Sharma, Prem Balotra, Vijay Sharma, Sanjiv Kerni, Kewal Krishan Sharma and Nitin Dharmat, besides others.