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JAMMU: Sunil Prajapati, President BJP OBC Morcha raised various issues of OBCs with Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, Chairman National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) at Srinagar, during his Visit to J&K and apprised him that the pending issues of OBC category in J&K which needs to be addressed on priority to serve justice to the OBCs.  In the beginning, Prajapati along with his team of OBC Morcha welcomed the Chairman NCBC on his arrival at the venue of meeting by presenting bouquet of flowers. The meeting of Chairman NCBC with various stakeholders was organized by the J&K UT Govt at MA Road Banquet Hall, Srinagar. Principle Secretary Education, Commissioner Secy Social Welfare Department, Sheetal Nanda, Principal Commissioner Secretary GAD Sanjeev Verma and Abid Hussain, Secretary Health were also present in the meeting.

Sunil Prajapati discussed the issues of OBCs including Income bar Criteria for Issuance of OBC Certificates, since the Rules for Creamy layer as prescribed by the Union Govt are not being followed by the J&K  Govt, wherein all Group II and Group III (Non Gazetted) Govt Employees don't fall in the Creamy Layer, while J&K UT govt is still following the Income Bar criteria framed by previous J&K Govt for issuance of OSC certificates, where in whole income of all family members including income from Agriculture sources is calculated towards Annual Income, which is against the spirit of Union Govt orders on Creamy layer, as such creamy layer Criteria should be replaced as per Centre Govt orders.

Prajapati also apprised that Word 'Rural Only’ as shown against Barber, Kumhar, Teli and Washerman (Dhobi) castes needs to be removed from the Centre OBC list as had already been removed in the State OBC list vide J&K Govt Circular No 32-GAD of 1998 dated 02-12-1998 as also no such condition has been included in the SO 176 of 15 March 2024.  Prajapati added that J&K UT Govt has considered 41 castes as OBC in J&K vide SO 176, but the Centre OBC list still contains 24 castes only as such remaining OBC castes be included in the Centre OBC list ungently to provide justice to the newly added OBC castes.

He also apprised that Reservation to OBCs in the J&K UT is provided 8% reservation vide SO 176 of 2024, whereas 15 more castes have been added taking total to 41 castes whose population is around 40%, as such the percentage of reservation to OBC needs to be enhanced as per population ratio. 

Prajapati also raised the issue that pre-matric scholarship to OBCs has been stopped from 2020, which has made the poor families to suffer adversely. He requested that the pre-matric scholarship may be restored immediately.  Prajapati also raised the issue of completion of OBC Hostel building at Kot Bhalwal, which is lying incomplete since 2017.  He also expressed the need of Hostel in each District of the UT.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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