Resolution to extend President’s rule in J&K, Reservation (Amendment) Bill passed by Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha on Monday approved the statutory resolution to extend President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir for a further period of 6 months with effect from 3rd July 2019. The house has also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

People living along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir will get benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in professional courses on par with those living along the Actual Line of Control (ALoC).

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, will replace an ordinance issued by the previous government. The Bill was earlier introduced by Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy on behalf of Home Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha.

The bill seeks to provide relief to people living in areas adjoining the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. They can now avail benefits of reservation in direct recruitment, promotion and admission in different professional courses.    

Now, that the bill has been passed by the Parliament, the bill will be amended in the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 to bring persons residing in areas adjoining the IB within the ambit of reservation, on par with those living in areas adjoining the ALoC.

People living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not included in the ambit of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and Rules, 2005. The rules provided for reservation in direct recruitment, promotions and admission in different professional courses to various categories, including residents of areas adjoining ALoC. Thus, those living in areas adjoining the IB in Jammu and Kashmir were not getting these benefits for a long time.

Due to continuous cross-border tensions, persons living along the IB suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness. Shelling from across the border often compels residents to move to safer places, which adversely impacts their education as schools and colleges remain closed for long periods.