Over 83,000 non-state subjects received J&K domicile: State Govt
The state of Jammu and Kashmir has granted domicile certificates to over 83,000 non-state subjects in the last two years, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Department. This revelation has sparked concerns and controversy among the locals, who fear that the influx of outsiders could alter the demography and cultural identity of the region.
In a written reply to PDP’s Waheed ur Rehman Para, the Revenue Department stated that a total of 35,12,184 domicile certificates were issued through the department in the last two years. This number includes both state subjects and non-state subjects, who have been granted domicile certificates under various categories.
The domicile certificate is a crucial document that grants permanent residency rights to individuals in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The certificate is issued by the Revenue Department, and it is required for government jobs, education, and even property ownership.
The surge in domicile certificates issued to non-state subjects has raised concerns about the impact it could have on the local population. The state has a unique demographic character, with a distinct cultural identity shaped by centuries of history and tradition. The influx of outsiders could lead to a loss of this identity, as the local population becomes a minority in their own state.
The Jammu and Kashmir government has been criticized for its handling of the domicile certificate issue. The government had initially announced that domicile certificates would be issued to all permanent residents of the state, including those who were born in the state or have lived there for 15 years or more. However, the government later clarified that domicile certificates would also be issued to individuals who have been living in the state for 10 years or more.
This clarification has led to widespread criticism, with many arguing that the government is allowing outsiders to take away the rights of local people. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has also intervened in the matter, issuing orders to the government to ensure that domicile certificates are issued only to those who are eligible under the rules.
The controversy surrounding the domicile certificate issue has also led to a heated debate about the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The state has been under the governance of the Centre since August 2019, when the Centre revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to the state.
The Centre has argued that the revocation of Article 370 was necessary to ensure the development and integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. However, many locals have opposed the move, arguing that it has led to the erosion of their rights and identity.
The domicile certificate issue is just one aspect of the larger controversy surrounding the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The state is facing a range of challenges, including issues related to land ownership, employment, and education. The government has announced a range of initiatives to address these issues, including the creation of a new land use policy and the establishment of a new education board.
However, many locals remain skeptical about the government’s intentions. They argue that the government is more interested in promoting the interests of outsiders than in addressing the concerns of local people. The Jammu and Kashmir government has a responsibility to ensure that the rights and identity of local people are protected, and that the state’s unique cultural identity is preserved.
In conclusion, the grant of domicile certificates to over 83,000 non-state subjects in the last two years has sparked controversy and concern in Jammu and Kashmir. The issue highlights the need for the government to ensure that the rights and identity of local people are protected, and that the state’s unique cultural identity is preserved. The government must take a more nuanced approach to the domicile certificate issue, and ensure that the rights of local people are not compromised.
Source: https://thecsrjournal.in/non-state-subjects-received-domicile-certificates-last-two-years-jk-govt/
