Over 83,000 non-state subjects received J&K domicile: State Govt
In a recent revelation, the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Department has stated that over 83,000 people, or “non-state subjects”, have received domicile certificates in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the last two years. This information was provided in a written reply to PDP’s Waheed ur Rehman Para, who sought the details of domicile certificates issued by the department.
The figure of 83,000 non-state subjects receiving domicile certificates in the last two years is a significant one, and it raises several questions about the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which came into effect on October 31, 2019. The Act aimed to redefine the residency and domicile of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and to provide a new framework for the administration of the state.
Under the new law, a person can be considered a domicile of Jammu and Kashmir if they have a parent or a spouse who is a permanent resident of the state, or if they have been a resident of the state for a period of 15 years or more. However, the law also provides for the issuance of domicile certificates to non-state subjects, including those who have been living in the state for a period of 10 years or more.
The issuance of domicile certificates to non-state subjects has been a contentious issue in Jammu and Kashmir, with many people questioning the criteria used to grant these certificates. The opposition parties in the state have accused the government of issuing domicile certificates to people who do not have a legitimate claim to residency in the state, and of compromising the rights of the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the government has maintained that the issuance of domicile certificates to non-state subjects is necessary to provide a sense of belonging and security to the people living in the state. The government has also stated that the criteria for issuing domicile certificates are strictly followed, and that the certificates are only granted to people who meet the eligibility criteria.
The figure of 83,000 non-state subjects receiving domicile certificates in the last two years is a significant one, and it raises several questions about the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The exact criteria used to grant these certificates is not publicly available, and there is a lack of transparency in the process of issuing domicile certificates.
The opposition parties in the state have demanded that the government disclose the criteria used to grant domicile certificates, and that the government should also provide information about the number of domicile certificates issued to non-state subjects in the past. The opposition parties have also accused the government of using the domicile certificates as a tool to influence the electoral process in the state.
The issuance of domicile certificates to non-state subjects has also raised concerns about the rights of the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The permanent residents of the state have the right to own property, to vote, and to hold public office, and they are also entitled to government scholarships and other benefits. However, the issuance of domicile certificates to non-state subjects may compromise these rights, and may also lead to a dilution of the rights of the permanent residents of the state.
In conclusion, the figure of 83,000 non-state subjects receiving domicile certificates in the last two years is a significant one, and it raises several questions about the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The government needs to provide greater transparency in the process of issuing domicile certificates, and it should also ensure that the rights of the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir are protected.
Source: https://thecsrjournal.in/non-state-subjects-received-domicile-certificates-last-two-years-jk-govt/
