Srinagar, Nov 10: National Conference MLA from Hazratbal constituency, Salman Sagar, has raised concerns over the newly implemented reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for immediate reforms to ensure equality for open merit and other population categories.
“The reservation policy which was made in the recent past has flaws that need to be addressed. No one needs to score political points on this issue,” he said, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to the reservation system. Sagar said that he also spoke about the reservation policy in his maiden address in the assembly and also about the plight of journalists.
Speaking about the government’s priorities, the NC leader highlighted several pressing issues facing the region, including electricity shortages, drinking water scarcity, and rising unemployment.
He stressed the importance of developing comprehensive solutions across government, semi-government, and private sectors to address the unemployment crisis.
Addressing the recent resolution on special status restoration, Sagar affirmed that his party would follow the legal framework of the passed resolution. “The Government of India and BJP should take it seriously and start the process of implementation. The special status which has been taken should be revived, and the process of restoring constitutional guarantees should begin,” he stated.
Regarding the three-week-old government’s functioning, the MLA acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to the new UT system.
“The concept of UT is new for everyone – journalists, politicians, bureaucrats, and MLAs alike. It will take time, maybe another few days or ten days, for the rules to be established and powers to be clearly defined,” he explained.
Sagar also emphasised the need for stronger local governance and proper definition of roles for various elected representatives.