Data shared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has exposed large differences in how reservation certificates are issued between the Jammu and Kashmir regions. The figures, submitted by the Revenue Department on October 28, 2025, show that certificate distribution favours Jammu across most categories including Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Economically Weaker Section. This may increase calls for fairer representation in the reservation policy. Over the past two years, more than 69,000 SC certificates were issued in Jammu compared to just 474 in Kashmir. Similarly, 88.58% of EWS certificates went to Jammu residents. The data was revealed in response to a question raised by PDP MLA Waheed Para. Critics argue the pattern points to structural imbalance, while the ruling National Conference blames the bureaucracy and suggests the Lieutenant Governor administration must address the issue.
Certificate Figures Reveal Regional Differences
In the past two years, 69,000 Scheduled Caste certificates were issued in Jammu, while Kashmir received only 474, accounting for merely 0.64% of the total. For Scheduled Tribe certificates, Jammu's share stood at 87% or about 5.25 lakh, with Kashmir receiving 76,656. The Economically Weaker Section category also saw a disparity, with 88.58% of the 21,386 certificates going to Jammu. Even in the Actual Line of Control category, Jammu held 85% share. The only category where Kashmir led was Resident of Backward Area certificates, with 31,804 issued compared to 15,595 in Jammu. The figures have sparked debate over fairness in the new reservation system.
Source: Link