Srinagar, Jul 11 (KNS): The JK Peace Forum has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to introduce a five per cent supernumerary quota for registered Kashmiri migrant students in all professional and higher educational institutions from the 2026-27 academic session.
In a representation submitted to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister and the Relief Commissioner, the forum sought notification of the quota in medical, engineering, dental, nursing, law, management, agriculture, veterinary colleges, universities and postgraduate and doctoral programmes.
The forum said the proposed quota would be "supernumerary" in nature and would not reduce seats available under any existing category.
It argued that while the Government of India has extended educational concessions to Kashmiri migrant students through a 2019 policy, including supernumerary seats and relaxation in admission criteria in institutions across the country, similar provisions are absent in Jammu and Kashmir.
It said rehabilitation of the displaced community would remain incomplete without ensuring access to higher education for their children, many of whom were born after their families were displaced.
The forum also cited constitutional provisions relating to equality and promotion of educational opportunities, besides the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, to argue that the displaced community deserved continued educational support.
JK Peace Forum Secretary Satish Mahaldar said the demand was not for a special privilege but for "equality, dignity and fulfilment of the government's constitutional and moral responsibility."
He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to notify the quota before the commencement of the 2026-27 academic session, saying another academic year should not pass without an educational rehabilitation mechanism for displaced students.(KNS).