KU admissions: No EWS reservation for PG aspirants

Srinagar, Feb 9: In a clear violation of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) guidelines, Kashmir University has issued an admission notification for different post graduate programmes without implementing 10 per cent Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation quota.

After receiving a nod from State Administrative Council (SAC), Jammu and Kashmir government in June 2019 had approved the reservation (second amendment) bill incorporating 103rd amendment of the Constitution of India to provide 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) in jobs and educational institutions.

On January 31, Kashmir University invited applications from students for different PG programmes without reserving the seats under EWS quota.

The EWS reservation mandates 10% reservation to people from the general category, who are economically weak, in higher educational institutes and government jobs.

 “It is for the information of all concerned that the Vice-Chancellor in anticipation of the approval of the academic bodies has authorized the existing eligibility criteria for admission to postgraduate programs for the current academic session 2020-2021,” the notification reads.

An official of Kashmir University said no major policy decision can be taken because the varsity does not have full time chancellor. “The chancellor has to give final approval for all the important policy decisions,” he said.

Director Admission, Kashmir University, Dr. Yahiya Bakhtiyar said the University has to follow existing criteria until the council headed by Chancellor approves the new resolution in a meeting.

“University does not have chancellor yet. So the authorities have to follow the existing criteria.

The decision for approval of EWS reservation quota will be taken by a committee. But there is uncertainty whether the final nod will be given by the Chancellor or the committee,” he said.