Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Bill replaces 'weak and underprivileged classes' with 'other backward…

The change is intended to resolve confusion regarding terminology for eligible groups and to align the law with the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2021.

Who it concerns: The Bill affects the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, specifically the general public and competent authorities involved in issuing certificates for reservation benefits, as well as the Central Government which will appoint the date of commencement.

What the bill does

• Substitutes the definition of 'weak and under privileged classes (social castes)' in section 2(o)(iii) of the 2004 Act with 'other backward classes declared as such by the Government from time to time'.
• Amends the first proviso in section 2(o) to refer to the 'category of socially and educationally backward classes' instead of 'said category'.
• Omits clause (q) of section 2 of the 2004 Act, which defined 'weak and under-privileged classes'.
• The Act comes into force on a date appointed by the Central Government via notification in the Official Gazette.

Also in the document

• The amendments are proposed based on recommendations from the Jammu and Kashmir Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Commission (SEBCC).
• The Bill is introduced because the Legislature of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is not in place, and Parliament exercises legislative powers under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
• The Bill aims to enable the implementation of the Constitution (One Hundred and Fifth Amendment) Act, 2021.