Jammu, Apr 01: National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri on Wednesday broke down in the Assembly while pleading with fellow legislators and the government to allow the introduction of his reservation-related bill.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Bashir Ahmad Veeri pleaded with the Government to allow the introduction of his bill.
“I have only one son. He has left for London. He son told me, ‘Papa, I will not return -there are no avenues for us,” an emotionally charged Veeri said.
Veeri said he told youngsters of his constituency he would fight against the reservation policy. “I told the youngsters, who were first-time voters and campaigned for me in the election that I will speak for them whether I am hanged or disqualified,” he said.
“I want to appeal to the House, for Allah’s sake allow the bill to be introduced for my children,” he added.
He demanded increasing the share of open merit to 65 percent, implementing the Indira Sawhney judgment, and removing disparities in EWS, ALC, and RBA categories.
When the bill was put to vote, it failed to secure support. Only four members voted in its favour, all from the opposition benches, while members of the ruling party opposed it.
Responding on behalf of the government, Minister Sakina Itoo said reservation remains a sensitive issue and assured that due process has been followed. She said a cabinet sub-committee, constituted under the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, completed its report within the stipulated timeframe after consultations with stakeholders.
The report, she said, has been approved by the government and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for final decision.
The minister incharge maintained that the exercise aimed at ensuring justice for all sections and reiterated that the government is committed to a fair and practical outcome without politicising the issue—(KNO)
