Cabinet nod for 10% EWS quota in Jammu & Kashmir

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet gave its nod to the government order that will lead to extension of benefit of promotion in service to Dalits and tribals as well as implementation of the 10% quota to the economically weaker sections of J&K. The government also approved promulgation of J&K Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 as recommended by the state which paves the way for quota benefits to those living in areas adjoining the international border.

The government had sought legal opinion of the Solicitor General on whether this Ordinance will in any manner circumvent Article 35A on which apetition is pending in the Supreme Court. Sources said government decided to go ahead with this Ordinance only after it became clear that it will not lead to any tinkering with Article 35A that bars those not domiciles of J&K from buying land in the state and enjoy other benefits.

The Cabinet approved the Constitution (Application to J&K) Amendment Order, 2019 on Thursday. A proposal in this regard was sent by the Jammu and Kashmir government on February 22. Once notified, it will pave the way for giving benefit of promotion in service to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe.


It will also extend the 10% reservation for the economically weaker sections in higher educational institutions and government jobs in addition to the reservation for the other categories.

This provision came into force in the rest of the country with the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Third Amendment) Act by Parliament earlier.