Srinagar, Dec 24: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday termed the ongoing reservation policy debate a “very serious issue,” stating that the future of thousands of students is at stake under the current framework.

From a young age, children are taught to work hard and succeed based on their ability and merit. However, today, merit and ability seem to have lost their value,” Mehbooba told reporters in Srinagar. “ Even a student securing 99 percent marks finds no opportunity in the open merit category under the present reservation policy.”

She highlighted the plight of students, questioning, “When the youth, despite their hard work and high marks, see no recognition of their merit, where are they supposed to go? This is not just about education but about their entire future and livelihood.”

Mehbooba lambasted the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing it of failing to address the issue despite holding over 50 seats in the Legislative Assembly and having three Members of Parliament.

She criticized the NC for promising reforms during election campaigns but delivering little after coming to power.

“People voted for the National Conference, even during the Parliament elections, hoping this issue would be raised effectively. But despite having three MPs, including one from Ladakh, not one of them, including Ruhullah, has raised this matter in Parliament,” she said.

She dismissed the NC’s strategy of waiting for the court’s decision, calling it an excuse to delay action.

If the court must decide on the reservation policy, then why does the National Conference seek votes on the issue? The Chief Minister should stop hiding behind legal delays and take decisive action.”

The former Chief Minister urged the NC government to rationalize the reservation policy in line with population ratios to ensure fairness for all categories.

Mehbooba pointed to PDP’s efforts during its tenure, citing the introduction of SRO 49 in 2018, which reserved 75 percent of postgraduate seats for open-category students.

She challenged the NC to take similar steps.

“Instead of waiting for the court’s verdict, the Chief Minister should immediately increase open category seats for postgraduate students, especially those appearing for NEET,” she said.

Mehbooba clarified that she is not against reservations but advocated for a balanced approach. “The issue should be resolved based on population ratios. This can only be achieved if the Chief Minister shows the will to act decisively.”

UNI