Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bills Mark a Paradigm Shift in Legislative Approach Toward Marginalized Classes

New Delhi, 06-12-2023 : In a significant legislative move, the Lok Sabha passed two pivotal bills related to Jammu and Kashmir, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscoring that these bills aim to rectify historical injustices endured by certain segments of the population for the past 70 years. The bills in question are the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, both of which received approval through a voice vote in the lower house.

During the debate preceding the passage of the bills, Amit Shah emphasized that the provision of reservation to displaced individuals is a crucial step toward granting them a meaningful presence in the legislature. He asserted that the purpose of the legislation is to address historical injustices, offer rights to those who were marginalized, insulted, and ignored over the years. Shah highlighted the importance of providing rights respectfully, distinguishing between merely granting rights and doing so in a manner that upholds the dignity and respect of the individuals concerned.

A key aspect of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill involves amending section 2 of the existing Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. The proposed change aims to replace the terminology “weak and underprivileged classes (social castes)” with “other backward classes.” This shift is seen as a crucial move to align with the broader principles of inclusivity and social justice.

The second bill focuses on ensuring representation for specific groups in the Legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It aims to provide political representation to Kashmiri migrants, displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and scheduled tribes. The objective is not only to safeguard their political rights but also to contribute to their overall social and economic development.

Amit Shah, responding to the debate, accused opposition parties of engaging in “vote bank politics” by exploiting issues related to Kashmir. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, coming from a humble background, empathizes with the struggles of the impoverished. Shah underscored the need to elevate the deprived sections of society in a manner that respects their dignity, framing the bills as a step in that direction.