What are the key proposals of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019?

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was approved by the Lok Sabha recently.

Features of the Bill

• The Bill amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated on March 1, 2019.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 which provides for reservation in appointment and promotions in certain state government posts defines socially and educationally backward classes to include persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.
• The amendment amends the socially and educationally backward classes’ definition to include those persons living in areas adjoining the International Border.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 provides that any person, who has been appointed on the basis of residence in an area adjoining the Line of Control, must serve in such areas for at least seven years. The bill amends this provision to include persons living in areas adjoining the International Border as well.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 provided an exemption criteria to include those persons living in the areas adjoining Line of Control to avail the benefits of reservation even if their annual income exceeds three lakh rupees. The bill extends this provision even to those living in areas adjoining the International Border.

The government has stated in Lok Sabha that students had to stay in bunkers for several days during shelling and firing. Hence the government wanted a reservation for those living along the International Border.