Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced key measures relating to Jammu & Kashmir, including the Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order, 2019, a resolution for the repeal of Article 370, the Jammu & Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019, and the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019.
The Government announced that the special provisions under Article 370 would cease to apply, enabling the Constitution of India to be fully applicable to Jammu & Kashmir. According to the Government, the move is aimed at ensuring greater integration of the region with the rest of the country and extending the benefits of national laws and welfare schemes to its residents.
The Home Minister stated that the repeal of Article 370 would facilitate investment, economic development, employment generation and improved access to education, healthcare and social welfare benefits. He also highlighted concerns related to governance, economic growth, democratic participation and equal rights, which the Government believes would be addressed through the change.
The Jammu & Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill, 2019 proposes the reorganisation of the state into two Union Territories — Jammu & Kashmir with a Legislative Assembly, and Ladakh without a Legislative Assembly. The Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019 seeks to extend a 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in jobs and educational institutions.
The Home Minister said the reforms are intended to promote development, strengthen democratic institutions and create new opportunities for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
