Amit Shah Announces A Quota In Kashmir Which Is A First For India

Union Home Minister Amit Shah today declared at Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir that the Pahari community will soon get reservation in education and jobs as Scheduled Tribe (ST) — a pre-election promise aimed at widening the BJP’s support base. If implemented, this quota will be the first instance of a linguistic group earning reservation in India. The central government will have to amend the Reservations Act in Parliament for it.

“The GD Sharma commission set up by the government has sent the report and recommended reservation for Gujjar, Bakarwal and Pahari communities. It will be given soon,” Mr Shah said at a rally that marked the start of the BJP’s campaign for elections likely next year.

He claimed such reservation became possible only after the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was struck down. “Now, minorities, Dalits, tribals, Paharis here will get their rights.”