New Domicile Rule in J&K: What is it all About?

New Domicile Rule in J&K
New Domicile Rule in Jammu and Kashmir
New Domicile Rule in J&K
New Domicile Rule in Jammu and Kashmir

The entire nation is focussed on fighting novel coronavirus and how to keep lives running during the lockdown period. But in Jammu and Kashmir, it’s a different story. Violence is frequently erupting in Jammu and Kashmir. The government is taking all the actions to thwart the violence and stop the intruders’ activities in the Valley. Here is the newest reason for the violence in Kashmir.

New domicile rule in J&K

The Union Government has recently issued new domicile rules which are based on the Home Ministry’s order of March 31. The decision taken by the Centre has changed several laws in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest decision will allow the people of India to get a domicile of J&K. It is a significant decision taken by the government after scrapping of Article 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.

Easy to get domicile certificate in J&K

The latest decision by the Centre has provided an opportunity for many people to get a domicile certificate quickly in J&K.

What should be the qualification for getting the certificate?

Those who have been living in the state for 15 years or studying for seven years would be eligible to receive the domicile certificate in Jammu and Kashmir. Besides this, students appearing in class 10 and 12 board examination would be entitled to get the domicile of J&K.

Several other persons would also be authorised for domicile status in the UT, namely: Children of Central government officials, all India service officers, officials of PSUs and autonomous bodies of the Central government, public sector banks, officials of statutory bodies, officials of Central universities and recognised research institutes of the Central government, who have served in Jammu of Kashmir for ten years.

Opportunities for outsiders in jobs

Some modifications have been made for the jobs in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir under the Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act (Act No. XVI of 2010) after the Centre decided on the Domicile Act. Hence, non-Kashmiri can obtain domicile certificates easily. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have appreciated the government domicile act. They believe that it will provide an opportunity for the people outside the UT to apply for all levels of jobs.

Domicile certificates have now been made basic eligibility criteria for appointment to any post under the Union Territory of J&K following the amendments in the previous Act, “J & K’s Principal Secretary (Power) Mr. Kansal said.

BJP bats for domicile act

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespeople asserted that new the domicile policy by the government was essential because several marginalised groups were not able to get their rights under the State subject law, like refugees from Pakistan.

Major parties condemn govt’s decision

The National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two major parties of Jammu and Kashmir have condemned the government’s decision on a domicile certificate. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has decided that his party will challenge the changes made by the Union government in the constitutional status of J&K.

PDP set to resist

Another major party PDP has been saying that such changes by the government are not going to settle anything or solve any problem in the UT. It would bring more and more complications in J&K. Almost all opposition parties have opposed the government’s move. The PDP is set to resist the Centre’s policy democratically and peacefully.

Unemployed youths of Jammu and Kashmir feel that the ruling party, BJP wants to snatch their job opportunities and it is attempting at inviting more outsiders to settle down in the UT.