Srinagar: Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo on Tuesday said the government is working on the reservation issue in Jammu and Kashmir and assured that it would be “resolved soon”.
“The matter will be resolved soon, as the sub-committee formed by the chief minister has already submitted its report, and it is under process in the Law department,” she said, as per the news agency KNO.
Itoo said the reservation issue has been in the public domain since the formation of the government. Several representatives from different parties had submitted their concerns, which the government examined. “The chief minister formed a sub-committee. I am a member along with Satish Sharma and Javid Dar. We held several meetings with the law secretary and social welfare secretary and submitted our report within six months,” she said.
The Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare minister clarified that the Law department had raised some queries, which required time to address. “People say it took time, but it did not; the report was submitted two days before the six-month deadline. The queries had to be answered. Everything has been examined. The report has been submitted and is under process,” she said.
On the concerns of the youth and potential agitation, she said, “The youth are intelligent and understand the situation. They are worried about resources, education, and jobs. Drug addiction among youth has risen because of unemployment and the lack of private sector opportunities. Those who have merit will be supported.”
Itoo advised the youth to stay focused and not be misled by political forces. “Opponents who now raise this issue did not act on it before. Today, they are criticising the government for political purposes. But our youngsters understand the government has formed a sub-committee to handle this issue. It will be brought to the cabinet soon,” she said.
Regarding the SMVDIME admissions controversy, the minister said, “Politics should not be done on children or religion. Students admitted to the medical university have been selected based on merit. Muslim students study there, and there is no restriction. Doctors treat patients without considering religion.” (KNO)
