LS discusses JK Reservation Amendment Bill, J&K Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2023
SRINAGAR, DEC 05: In a crucial session of the Lok Sabha Tuesday, lawmakers engaged in a spirited debate over two significant bills that could reshape the socio-political landscape of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 were at the centre of attention, sparking discussions on the floor.
Expressing his perspective on the matter, Shah pondered, “How can a country have two PMs, two constitutions, and two flags? Those who did this, they did wrong. PM Modi corrected it. We have been saying since 1950 that there should be ‘Ek Pradhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan’ (One Prime Minister, one flag, and one Constitution) in the country, and we did it.”
Shah’s remarks were in response to statements made by TMC MP Saugata Roy concerning the J&K bills.
The Home Minister’s assertion echoed the government’s stance on the historic decision, which saw the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories.
In his address, Shah emphasized the correction of what the government deemed as an anomaly, asserting that the move was in line with the long-standing vision of having a unified leadership, flag, and Constitution for the entire country.
The Home Minister’s comments encapsulated the essence of the government’s commitment to addressing what it perceives as historical irregularities in the governance structure of the region.
The discussion in the Lok Sabha reflected the divergent views on the bills, with Shah’s intervention adding a broader perspective on the implications of the legislative changes in Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur took the floor to present the government’s stance on these bills. Amidst deliberations, he made a noteworthy statement, drawing attention to the remarkable transformation in Kashmir. Thakur stated, “Earlier there were stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir. Today, there are no such incidents. Today, not only at Lal Chowk but the Indian flag is hoisted in every lane in Kashmir.”
Thakur’s declaration underscored the apparent improvement in the security situation and the sense of normalcy returning to the region. The statement, while setting the context for the bills being discussed, also highlighted the broader efforts to bring stability and development to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks to modify the existing reservation provisions in the union territory. The proposed amendments aim to address the evolving socio-economic landscape and ensure equitable representation for various communities in educational institutions and government jobs.
Members of the Lok Sabha engaged in a spirited discussion, expressing diverse opinions on the implications of the proposed amendments. Some lawmakers emphasized the importance of inclusive development, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on existing reservation quotas.
Simultaneously, The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was scrutinized for its potential to further streamline the administrative structure in the union territory.
This bill follows the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories.
The deliberations in the Lok Sabha underscored the government’s commitment to ushering in a new era of development, peace, and stability in the region.
Lawmakers were keen on ensuring that the proposed legislative changes would effectively address the unique challenges and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
As the discussion continues, the fate of these bills will shape the trajectory of governance in the union territory.
The Lok Sabha’s engagement reflects the democratic process at work, as representatives deliberate and decide on legislation that could have far-reaching consequences for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
