Activist Raja Shakeel slams J&K government’s move to cut RBA quota, urging Chenab Valley youth to resist.
Social activist Raja Shakeel has condemned the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to reduce or eliminate the Resident of Backward Area (RBA) quota, calling it a severe blow to the youth of the Chenab Valley, as reported by Tahir Rihat.
On October 20, 2025, in Jammu, prominent social activist Raja Shakeel publicly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to further reduce or abolish the RBA quota, labeling it a “grave injustice” to residents of remote regions, particularly the Chenab Valley. According to Shakeel, the quota, previously cut by 10 percent, has been instrumental in enabling local youth to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, teachers, and KAS officers. “This decision is a direct attack on the future of Chenabi youth,” he stated, as per details compiled by Tahir Rihat.
Shakeel urged the people of the Chenab Valley to unite in opposition to the government’s decision, warning that the reduction would severely limit opportunities for the region’s youth. “We will not stay silent. The Chenabi people must raise their voice against this injustice,” he said. He further demanded that the government not only reverse the decision but increase the RBA quota to 20 percent to ensure fair representation and equal opportunities for backward areas. The activist emphasized that the Chenab Valley, recognized as a backward region, relies on such reservations for socio-economic upliftment.
The RBA quota, designed to provide educational and employment opportunities for residents of remote and underdeveloped areas in Jammu and Kashmir, has been a lifeline for communities in regions like the Chenab Valley. The government’s earlier reduction of the quota by 10 percent had already sparked concerns, and the potential complete termination has reignited debates over equitable resource distribution in the Union Territory. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir, a region navigating significant administrative changes since the revocation of Article 370.
Shakeel’s statements reflect growing discontent in the Chenab Valley, where local communities argue that diminishing reservations undermines their access to education and government jobs. The controversy highlights broader tensions surrounding regional development and representation in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political landscape. According to verified sources reviewed by Tahir Rihat, similar criticisms have emerged in other backward areas, signaling potential unrest if the policy is implemented without consultation.
As of October 20, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has not issued an official response to Shakeel’s remarks or confirmed the status of the RBA quota reduction. The issue remains under public scrutiny, with calls for dialogue intensifying. Stay updated on Jammu Kashmir news and regional developments at www.tahirrihat.com.
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