Daily Current Affairs : 27-July-2023
In a significant development for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lok Sabha recently tabled the “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” This bill aims to address the political representation and overall socio-economic development of marginalized communities in the region. Specifically, it seeks to nominate members from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community and individuals displaced from “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” during the 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars with Pakistan. This essay delves into the key provisions of the bill, its background, and the potential impact it could have on the region.
Understanding the Bill:
- Representation of “Kashmiri Migrants”:
- The bill proposes to nominate two members from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community as members of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Significantly, one of the members nominated will be a woman, aiming to promote gender equality and inclusivity.
- Representation of Displaced Individuals:
- The bill also seeks to nominate one member from the community of individuals displaced during the 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
- This provision aims to preserve the political rights of those who have faced significant hardships and losses due to conflicts.
- Promoting Social and Economic Development:
- One of the primary objectives of the bill is to ensure the overall social and economic development of the marginalized communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
- By granting political representation, the bill intends to empower these communities and address their unique challenges.
Background and Context:
- Abolishment of Article 370:
- The special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 was revoked by Parliament in August 2019, leading to the bifurcation of the region into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the latter without an Assembly.
- This historic move sparked debates and discussions on the future political landscape of the region.
- Central Rule in Jammu and Kashmir:
- Since 2018, Jammu and Kashmir has been under Central rule, and Assembly elections are yet to take place.
- The absence of a functioning Assembly has led to concerns about effective governance and representation of the people.
- Delimitation Commission and Recommendations:
- The Delimitation Commission received numerous representations from the “Kashmiri Migrants” and displaced communities regarding reservation of seats in the Legislative Assembly.
- In response, the commission recommended representation through nomination to address the unique circumstances of these communities.
Potential Impact:
- Empowering Marginalized Voices:
- The nomination of members from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community and displaced individuals will provide a platform for these marginalized voices to be heard and represented in the political arena.
- Strengthening Social Cohesion:
- The inclusion of diverse communities in the Legislative Assembly can foster social cohesion and bridge the gaps between different groups, promoting a sense of unity and inclusivity.
- Addressing Socio-economic Disparities:
- By focusing on the social and economic development of marginalized communities, the bill aims to address longstanding disparities and create a more equitable society.
Important Points:
- “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023” recently tabled in the Lok Sabha.
- Aim of the bill: Nominate two members from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community as members of the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, one of whom will be a woman.
- The bill also proposes to nominate one member from “Pakistan-occupied Kashmir” displaced during the 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
- Objective of the bill: Preserve the political rights and promote the overall social and economic development of the nominated communities.
- Background: Abolishment of Article 370 in August 2019, bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Jammu and Kashmir has been under Central rule since 2018, and Assembly elections are yet to take place.
- Delimitation Commission received representations from “Kashmiri Migrants” and displaced communities, recommending representation through nomination.
- The commission increased the total seats of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from 107 to 114, with nine seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes for the first time.
- Potential impact of the bill: Empower marginalized voices, strengthen social cohesion, and address socio-economic disparities.
- Promotes gender equality and inclusivity by nominating a woman from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community.
- Fosters a more inclusive and equitable society in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Holds the potential to shape the future trajectory of the region and create a more united and empowered society.
Why In News
Recently tabled in the Lok Sabha, the “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023” proposes significant changes aimed at further empowering the region and fostering inclusive development. If passed, the bill will bring forth a new era of governance and pave the way for enhanced socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
MCQs about Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
-
What is the main objective of the “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023”?
A. To provide political representation to displaced individuals from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
B. To nominate two members from the “Kashmiri Migrants” community as members of the Legislative Assembly.
C. To bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two separate union territories.
D. To hold Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time.
-
Which significant event led to the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories?
A. The enactment of the “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.”
B. The Delimitation Commission’s recommendations for reserved seats in the Assembly.
C. The abolishment of Article 370 by Parliament in August 2019.
D. The declaration of Jammu and Kashmir as a Central rule territory in 2018.
-
Which community is proposed to be represented by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, apart from the “Kashmiri Migrants”?
A. Scheduled Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir.
B. People displaced during the 1947-48, 1965, and 1971 wars with Pakistan.
C. Non-resident Indians from Jammu and Kashmir.
D. Individuals from the Ladakh region.
-
What is the potential impact of the “Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023”?
A. Strengthening social cohesion and unity in Jammu and Kashmir.
B. Resettling displaced individuals from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
C. Reducing the total seats of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
D. Transferring power from the Central government to the local Assembly.
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
