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Business Standard
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Ladakh Reservation Act amended: Reservation cap set at 85%, EWS excluded
The Ministry of Law and Justice has issued a new ordinance amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, to apply specifically to the Union Territory of Ladakh. The ordinance, titled the 'Union Territory of Ladakh Reservation (Amendment) Regulation, 2025', was published in the official Gazette notification. According to the amendment, 'The total percentage of reservation shall in no case exceed 85 per cent, excluding reservation for Economically Weaker Sections'. This provision, which applies to various sections of the Act, aims to cap the reservation limit while ensuring that the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota is treated separately. The new regulation clarifies, 'Provided that the total percentage of reservation shall in no case exceed 85 per cent, excluding reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.' The changes specifically exclude the EWS quota from the 85 per cent cap, reflecting the Centre's attempt to maintain reservation balance while addressing the unique demographic and socio-economic needs of Ladakh. The amendments apply to Sections 3, 5, 6, and 9 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. Other amendments in the ordinance Under Section 5 of the Act, a new sub-section has been added, stating: 'Nothing contained in this Section shall apply to Economically Weaker Sections and filling up of vacancies for such Sections shall be in such manner as may be prescribed.' Similar provisions have been inserted in Sections 3, 6, and 9, each reiterating the 85 per cent cap (excluding EWS). The regulation empowers the Central Government to notify the date from which these amendments will come into force. The ordinance was promulgated by the President, Droupadi Murmu, under Article 240 of the Constitution, in conjunction with the relevant sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. What is the J&K Reservation Act, 2004? The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 is aimed at ensuring social justice through reservation in public employment and admissions to professional institutions for marginalised communities in the region. Enacted by the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature and receiving the Governor's assent in 2004, the Act has played a significant role in shaping affirmative action policies in the erstwhile state and, subsequently, the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The Act was designed to provide reservation benefits in: * Appointments to government jobs (direct recruitment and promotions) * Admissions to professional educational institutions The beneficiaries include Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (OBC/SEBC), and residents of areas adjoining the actual line of control (LoC) and, after amendments, the International Border. What are the key provisions of the Act? The Act mandates a fixed percentage of vacancies in government services to be reserved for the above-mentioned categories. It also includes provisions for carrying forward unfilled reserved vacancies to subsequent years. The Act extends reservation benefits to promotions within government services for eligible categories. Seats in professional colleges and institutions are reserved for the same communities, ensuring equitable access to higher education. Reserved category candidates are allowed to compete for open merit seats as well, ensuring they are not restricted solely to reserved quotas. The Act details the process for issuing, verifying, and appealing reservation certificates, with penalties for contravention. Amendments and changes post-2019 Following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, the Act was amended to extend its applicability to the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with modifications to include residents along the International Border as beneficiaries. The percentage of reservation is proportional to the population of the respective categories, and amendments have continued to refine the list of eligible backward classes and the procedures for their identification.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘If Kamal Haasan….': Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj calls for state-wide bundh on language row
Tensions flared across Karnataka on Monday as pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj issued a stern warning of a statewide bandh in protest against Tamil actor Kamal Haasan's controversial remarks on the Kannada language. The actor is under fire for allegedly stating that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil,' a comment that has drawn strong backlash from Kannada groups and political circles alike. Also Read - Kamal Haasan faces ire of Karnataka High Court for not apologising in Kannada row: 'Are you a historian or linguist' Leading a protest in Mysuru on June 2, Nagaraj lashed out at Haasan and called his statement a direct insult to the Kannada language and its rich heritage. 'This is not just an affront to the language, but to the pride and identity of Kannadigas. We will not take it lying down,' he said. He added that thousands of Kannada activists across the state were prepared to go to jail if Haasan's upcoming film Thug Life is screened in Karnataka. Declaring that pro-Kannada organisations will unite, Nagaraj announced a call for a statewide bandh if the actor does not issue a public apology. 'We will ensure that neither Kamal Haasan nor his films are allowed within the borders of Karnataka. He must apologise to the people of this state, or face a complete boycott,' Nagaraj asserted. Urging political leaders to speak up, Nagaraj criticised the silence of elected representatives and called on MLAs, MPs, and ministers to take to the streets in defence of the language. He also appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to convene a special one-day session of the State Legislature to pass a resolution reaffirming the dignity and sovereignty of Kannada. Also Read - Karnataka reports 87 new Covid-19 cases, active cases rise to 311 Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking clearance for the release of Thug Life in the state, amid rising protests and calls for a boycott. However, his petition hit a roadblock after the court criticised the lack of remorse in his response. According to legal news portal Live Law, the bench remarked, 'If it is a reply of apology, we will consider it. But there is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody else—you cannot hurt public sentiments.' The actor's legal counsel maintained that the statement had been misinterpreted and presented a written explanation from Haasan. Still, the court appeared unconvinced, stating clearly that the emotional sensitivity of linguistic identity cannot be dismissed lightly.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Vatal Nagaraj threatens State-wide bundh over Kamal Haasan's remarks against Kannada
Pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has threatened a State-wide bundh over Tamil actor Kamal Haasan's remarks against Kannada. Mr. Nagaraj, who led a protest against the actor in Mysuru on Monday, said thousands of Kannada activists were ready to go to jail if Mr. Haasan's new film 'Thug Life' is released in Karnataka. Pointing to the protests against Mr. Haasan for his reported statement that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil', Mr. Nagaraj said the entire State was demanding an apology from the film actor. 'If he does not apologise, we will boycott Kamal Haasan, and we will not allow either him or his movies to enter the State's borders,' he said. 'All the pro-Kannada organisations in the State will join and give a call for State-wide bundh,' he said. Terming Mr. Haasan's statement as an 'insult' to Kannada, Mr. Nagaraj regretted that politicians including MLAs, MPs, and Ministers should take to the streets to voice their ire over the alleged disrespect shown to Kannada. He called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to convene a one-day session of the State Legislature to uphold the glory, culture, and sovereignty of Kannada language. Mr. Nagaraj also criticised the alleged assault on an autodriver in Bengaluru reportedly by a woman from North India with a footwear.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CT city awarded $450K+ for a new, inclusive playground for children with disabilities
Newington has been awarded a $485,000 grant to build a new, inclusive playground at Candlewyck Park, town officials said. The town project, announced by Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday, is part of a $30 million package distributed to 46 small towns across Connecticut for capital improvement projects focused on infrastructure, community development and quality-of-life upgrades. The Candlewyck Park project will be matched by $121,365 in local funding, bringing the total project cost to $606,976, officials said. The grants are all part of the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program. 'We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lamont and his staff for their support for this important infrastructure project,' said Newington Mayor Jon Trister. 'This grant will help establish a state-of-the-art playground and play space for the residents of the Candlewyck neighborhood. We are thrilled with this announcement.' The new playground will feature accessible play elements for all children, regardless of ability. Officials said the project also supports the town's long-term commitment to neighborhood revitalization and inclusive park access throughout Newington. 'The Newington Parks and Recreation Department happily announces that Governor Lamont and the State Legislature have awarded the town of Newington this critical funding to replace the outdated playground equipment in the Lamplighter Lane area,' said Don Woods, chair of the town's parks and recreation board. 'This grant allows us to move forward with the second and final stage of renovations at Candlewyck Park.' The Candlewyck Park project builds upon the town's ongoing work to enhance parks town wide. In recent years, the town has completed major renovations at Mill Pond Park Playground, Churchill Park Playground, Clem Lemire Playground, Beacon Park Playground, Beechwood Park Playground, Eagle Park Playground, and Seymour Park Playground. For additional information on the Candlewyck Park inclusive playground or other ongoing projects, contact the Newington Parks and Recreation Department at 860-665-8666 or visit
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA's first Smokey Bear license plate available; funds going to human-caused wildfire campaigns
Washington state will have a new vanity license plate up for grabs-- everyone's favorite wildfire prevention mammal. Smokey Bear is officially taking his show on the road. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a law on Tuesday that would authorize a special license plate depicting Smokey Bear. The purchase of this license plate will help fund the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) efforts to prevent human-caused wildfires and support wildland firefighters. 'It's fitting that our state's first Smokey Bear license plate has been passed by the State Legislature during Wildfire Awareness Month,' Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said. 'Approximately 90 percent of wildfires every year are human caused. We couldn't have a better advocate for wildfire prevention crisscrossing Washington along our interstates, highways and roads than Smokey.' Smokey Bear has been the face of wildfire prevention around the world since 1944. 'The Smokey Bear license plate will allow Washingtonians to show their support for firefighters while supporting DNR's efforts to drastically reduce the number of wildfires started by humans. The Smokey Bear license plate will also raise public awareness of wildfire prevention, letting everyone know that we all can help ensure the safety of our neighbors,' DNR wrote on its website. The Smokey Bear license plate will be available for purchase on Nov. 1 for a fee of $40 for the initial plate and a renewal fee of $30.
