J&K Reservation Bills Sail Through Rajya Sabha, 'Aim to Empower Socially Backward Classes' - Amit Shah

In a significant move, the Rajya Sabha cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, building on the Lok Sabha's approval on December 6. These bills focus on providing reservations in the legislative assembly, employment, and professional institutions in the Union Territory.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, revises the 2004 Reservation Act, extending job and educational reservations to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially and educationally backward classes.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, amends the 2019 Reorganisation Act, expanding the J&K Legislative Assembly seats to 90, with 7 reserved for SCs and 9 for STs. It empowers the Lieutenant Governor to nominate two members from the Kashmiri migrant community, including a woman, and allows representation for displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the reorganization, stressing its role in introducing reservations for Scheduled Tribes, a move he claimed wouldn't be possible without Article 370's abrogation. He reiterated the Supreme Court's stance, emphasizing J&K's integration into India since 1949. Addressing the EC's election directive, Shah stated, "I have said we will have the elections done. At the appropriate time, we will restore J&K's Statehood."

The bills respond to the evolving situation post the abrogation of Article 370, aiming to address historical imbalances and empower marginalized communities in the Union Territory.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT UNIVERSITY