Lok Sabha approves legislation for OBC quota in Jammu and Kashmir local governance

The Lok Sabha has passed a significant bill providing reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. This move aims to bring about consistency in local body laws and ensure justice for OBCs in the region. Union Minister Nityanand Rai emphasized the developmental strides in Jammu and Kashmir under the Modi government.

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The Lok Sabha has passed a significant bill aimed at providing representation and empowerment to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the local bodies of Jammu and Kashmir. This move marks a pivotal step towards addressing long-standing demands for equitable representation and inclusivity in the region's governance structures.

The bill, titled the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Law (Amendment) Bill-2024, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring justice and equality for all sections of society. The Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, emphasized the transformative changes that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. He highlighted the development initiatives undertaken by the Narendra Modi government, which have started yielding positive results for the people of the Union Territory.

One of the key highlights of the bill is the provision for the reservation of seats for OBCs in panchayats and municipalities in Jammu and Kashmir. Currently, there is no such provision in place, making this legislation a significant step towards addressing the representation gap and ensuring inclusivity in local governance structures.

The bill seeks to align the local body laws of Jammu and Kashmir with the provisions of the Constitution, thereby ensuring consistency and fairness in the allocation of seats and representation. By extending reservation to OBCs in local bodies, the government aims to empower marginalized communities and provide them with a platform to participate actively in the decision-making process at the grassroots level.

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, this legislation will ensure justice for the citizens of Other Backward Classes in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in 75 years of independence. It underscores the government's commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering inclusive growth and development in the region.

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During the parliamentary debate on the bill, Minister Nityanand Rai criticized the opposition for attempting to divert attention from the significant issue at hand by raising unrelated concerns. He reiterated the government's focus on development and emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing the positive impact of the Modi government's policies and initiatives.

In conclusion, the passage of the bill to provide OBC quota in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir reflects the government's commitment to inclusive governance and equitable representation. It marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the aspirations and concerns of all sections of society in the Union Territory.