Centre Modifies Domicile Rules Of J&K, Makes Those Staying In UT For Over 15 Years Eligible For Government Jobs

The Modi government of Tuesday (31 March) passed a notification changing the domicile rules for the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) making those eligible for government jobs who have been staying in the UT for 15 years or more, The Times of India reported.

The gazette notification also said that domicile rights be extended to al migrants registered under the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner in the erstwhile state whose special status under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was revoked on 5 August 2019.

In an another provision in the notification enforceable form Tuesday, those who have studied in the UT region for an interval of seven years including appearing in either class 10th or 12th examinations or both will also be eligible for domicile certificate in J&K.

Anyone falling into these categories can approach their local Tehsildar and apply for the certificate.

The decision, however, has drawn heavy criticism from the main regional parties such as National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Former chief minister and NC leader Omar Abdullah said in a tweet, “Talk about suspect timing. At a time when all our efforts and attention should be focused on the Covid-19 outbreak, the government slips in a new domicile law for J&K. Insult is heaped on injury when we see law offers none of the protections that had been promised.”

In a statement, PDP general secretary Surinder Choudhary said the change in rules is “ill-timed, very badly drafted and outcome of confused and chaotic bureaucracy”.