In a significant legislative move, the Lok Sabha passed two crucial J&K Reservation Bills on December 6, namely the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
These bills, introduced in July to the Parliament, aim to bring about progressive changes in the region under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Therefore, Emphasizing the significance in addressing historical injustices and providing rights to those overlooked for 70 years, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah took a proactive stance.
Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
The primary focus of the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. Initially designed to provide reservation in jobs and professional institutions for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other socially and educationally backward classes, the proposed amendment seeks to alter the nomenclature of the previously described “weak and underprivileged classes (social castes)” to “other backward classes” in Section 2 of the 2004 Act.
The amendment Bill addresses the imperative need for justice and representation for displaced Kashmiris. Thus, to align with this objective, the region has recalibrated the distribution of seats, increasing Jammu’s count from 37 to 43. In Kashmir, the seat count has risen from 46 to 47.
India has reserved 24 seats in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), further reaffirming its claim to the territory. Additionally, two seats will be reserved for the Kashmiri Migrant community members. One seat in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly is specifically set aside for individuals displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023:
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, aims to amend the 2019 Act. It specifically addresses representation in the Legislative Assembly for Kashmiri Migrants and displaced persons from PoK. The proposal includes the nomination of two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the Legislative Assembly. Additionally, it suggests appointing one representative for displaced persons from PoK to the same assembly.
The amendment Bill suggests accommodating these changes. It proposes an increase in the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly from 83 to 90. Furthermore, it aims to reserve seats for members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The bill introduces new sections, 15A and 15B, in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The Lieutenant Governor has the authority to nominate members belonging to the “Kashmiri Migrants” community. The nomination may include up to two members, ensuring representation, with at least one being a woman. One can nominate a member from the ‘Displaced Persons from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
A New Dawn for ‘Naya Kashmir’:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah envisions significant changes with the introduction of two bills in Jammu and Kashmir. These bills are the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. Considering these legislative measures instrumental, he asserts that they will usher in a ‘naya Kashmir,’ bringing justice to those who have been deprived of their rights for the past 70 years.
Conclusion:
The passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marks a significant step. Additionally, the approval of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, further contributes to this noteworthy development. It marks progress towards justice and representation in the region.
The J&K Reservation Bills address historical injustices and provide a comprehensive framework for better inclusion and participation. This is especially crucial for displaced Kashmiris seeking enhanced opportunities. ‘Naya Kashmir’ is taking shape, fostering hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. These legislative changes can positively transform the way. This aligns with the vision of a just and representative society.
