Changes in Jammu and Kashmir Rules Explained by Government
The Indian government has clarified that the recent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, are only clarificatory and based on existing provisions. According to government sources, nothing new has been added to the rules, which are already mentioned in the State Reorganization Act of 2019.
Amendments and Criticism
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) updated the rules to expand some of the powers of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. This move has drawn criticism from former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who suggested that elections might be around the corner. He emphasized the need for a firm commitment to restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Presidential Approval
President Droupadi Murmu approved the amendments, which were made under the powers conferred by section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. The changes were published in the Official Gazette and took effect on July 12, 2024.
New Rules
The amendments include new rules for proposals related to police, public order, and legal appointments. For instance, any proposal requiring the Finance Department’s concurrence must be placed before the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary. Additionally, the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs must submit proposals for the appointment of the Advocate-General and other law officers for the Lieutenant Governor’s approval.
Other changes involve the submission of matters related to prisons, prosecution, and forensic science to the Lieutenant Governor by the Administrative Secretary, Home Department, through the Chief Secretary. The rules also specify procedures for the posting and transfer of Administrative Secretaries and All India Services officers.
The principal rules were initially published in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2020, and were previously amended on February 28, 2024.
