Azad Criticizes RBA Cuts as Blow to Chenab Valley’s Backward Areas, Calls Out BJP’s Silence
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||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh December 05,2025 ||
In a sharp and detailed critique of the proposed changes to the Reserved Backward Area (RBA) provisions in Jammu & Kashmir, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad has accused the government of inflicting fresh injustice on some of the most socio-economically disadvantaged populations in the region. His remarks come amid rising concern in the Chenab Valley and parts of Kashmir, where communities fear that long-standing protections meant to offset geographical and developmental disadvantages are being steadily eroded.
Azad noted that the RBA category, which covers more than 2,500 villages across Kashmir and the Chenab Valley, has historically acted as a lifeline for families living in remote, hilly, and severely underdeveloped areas. These regions have endured decades of poor infrastructure, scarce healthcare and educational facilities, and limited employment opportunities. He argued that instead of strengthening support mechanisms, the administration has repeatedly moved in the opposite direction. “First the RBA quota was cut to 10 percent, and now yet again the axe is falling on the poorest families,” he said, adding that such decisions disproportionately harm those living in some of the harshest terrains of the Union Territory.
A key grievance expressed by Azad is the exclusion of the Chenab Valley—a region defined by steep mountains, rugged topography, and difficult living conditions—from the Pahari category. According to him, this exclusion defies logic and fairness, especially when new benefits have been extended to groups with similar or even less challenging geographical realities. With the potential dilution of RBA protections on top of this, he warned that entire communities risk being pushed further into marginalization.
Azad’s statement carried a pointed political dimension as well. He asserted that this “injustice will not be tolerated” and vowed to oppose the move at every possible forum, irrespective of which party is in power. In a direct message to regional rivals, he declared that he would resist the policy “even if the National Conference government brings it,” signalling a confrontation not limited by party lines.
What also stands out in the unfolding debate is the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has neither defended nor addressed the anxieties emerging from the Chenab Valley and Kashmir over the proposed changes. Azad questioned this silence, suggesting that a policy affecting thousands of backward families deserves transparency, public engagement, and moral accountability from all major political players—especially the ruling party at the Centre.
The situation has now evolved into a politically charged issue with deep social implications. For the affected communities, the fear is not merely about a shift in administrative classifications but the loss of crucial avenues for educational and economic advancement. For political actors, the controversy may reshape regional alignments and electoral narratives, particularly in mountainous constituencies where RBA status has long been tied to livelihood and opportunity.
As Azad intensifies his opposition, the demand for clarity from the government grows louder, and the silence from the BJP only adds to the perception that the concerns of backward and hilly regions are being sidelined. The issue is poised to become a central flashpoint in J&K’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
Omar Abdullah
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
Sunil Sharma
Ravinder Raina
BJP Jammu & Kashmir
Ghulam Nabi Azad
