RS passes Jammu and Kashmir reorganization (Amendment) Bill 2021

Rajya Sabha has today passed The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2021.

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The new bill is aimed to merge the Jammu and Kashmir cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers with that of the Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and Union Territory (AGMUT).

The bill was introduced by the Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha on February 4 to replace Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021.

Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said in the last two years, speedy development has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir.

Adding, Government has taken revolutionary and historical decisions for development of J&K. He said that after independence, for the first time Block Development Council elections were held there, where 98 percent voters took part. And for development of villages, one thousand crore was provided under MGNREGA.

The Minister stated, all Gazette officers are visiting rural areas under the back to villages programme. Kashmir will be connected with train by December 2022.

Mr Reddy mentioned that world’s highest rail bridge Chenab bridge will be completed next year. Adding, elevated Light Rail System will be completed in four years in J&K.

He said that the Union Ministers are visiting J&K as part of outreach programme. And 100 per cent electrification has been achieved in Jammu and Kashmir, including border villages.

Mr Reddy said, piped water for all will be achieved by 2022. He mentioned, Jammu and Kashmir is moving ahead in the right direction.

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Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad initiated the debate, recalling the Government’s assurance that Statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir. He said, if the present cadre was working well so far then why Government wants to merge it. Mr Azad said, bringing the bill makes it clear that the Government wants to permanently keep Jammu and Kashmir as Union Territory. He stated, no new industries have been set up in J&K.  Adding, 7 thousand 107 industries have shut down there and new industries have not come. The Leader of Opposition urged the government to restore statehood and conduct elections as soon as possible.

The ordinance amended Section 13 [Applicability of Article 239A] and Section 88 [Provisions relating to All India Services] of the Act.

Rajya Sabha adjourned till Tuesday (tomorrow).