Pampore, Mar 24: MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi has introduced a Bill in the Assembly seeking reservation in employment for local youth in private sector industries classified under the “Red Category.”
Titled the Red Category Industries (Reservation in Employment) Bill, 2026, the proposed legislation is likely to be taken up during the second phase of the ongoing Assembly session beginning April 27, 2026.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) designates certain highly polluting industries as “Red Category” due to hazardous emissions and effluents. Such industries, including cement plants, have had a significant environmental impact on traditional livelihoods such as agriculture, horticulture, dairy and sheep farming. However, locals allege that employment opportunities in these units often go to workers from outside the region.
The Bill proposes reservation for local youth at all levels—unskilled, skilled, managerial and administrative—in these industries. It is expected to particularly benefit residents of Khrew, Wuyan and adjoining areas affected by industrial pollution.
In addition to the Bill, Masoodi has moved two resolutions in the Assembly:
The resolution seeks regularisation of State, Shamilat and Kahcharie land occupied by public and private educational institutions. Several institutions reportedly face recognition issues from bodies such as Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education due to unresolved land titles.
The second resolution calls for revival of the HDF mechanism to supplement paramedical staff and address manpower shortages in healthcare facilities.
Masoodi said the initiatives are aimed at safeguarding local livelihoods, strengthening educational infrastructure and improving healthcare services in the region.
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