Srinagar, Oct 31: A stark regional disparity has emerged in the issuance of category certificates in Jammu and Kashmir, with official figures showing that Jammu accounted for over 70 percent of all certificates issued during the first nine months of 2025.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the Social Welfare Department informed the Legislative Assembly that between January 1 and September 30, 2025, a total of 2,15,863 category certificates were issued across the Union Territory. Of these, 1,55,072 certificates, or 71.8 percent, were issued in Jammu, while 60,791 certificates, amounting to 28.2 percent, were issued in Kashmir.
The data also reflects a similar regional trend in rejections. Out of 32,671 rejected applications, 25,354 were from Jammu and 7,317 from Kashmir. This means Jammu accounted for nearly 77.6 percent of all rejections, while Kashmir represented just 22.4 percent.
Officials attributed the higher number of rejections, particularly under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, to strict eligibility norms that exclude applicants who own or possess specific assets.
The EWS criteria disqualify individuals owning more than five acres of agricultural land, residential flats of 1,000 square feet or above, or residential plots of 100 square yards or more in notified municipal areas. The government clarified that no relaxation or amendment of the EWS rules is under consideration and that the criteria are uniform across all states and Union Territories, with the income ceiling fixed at ₹8 lakh per family per year.
The Social Welfare Department further informed that the overall reservation in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 50 percent, excluding the 10 percent quota for EWS. It added that a Cabinet Sub-Committee, constituted on December 10, 2024, has already submitted its report to the Council of Ministers for further examination of the reservation structure.
