Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir government revealed that 52 non-residents obtained domicile rights through marriage in Budgam. The Minister provided insights into domicile certificates issued in various tehsils, highlighting significant statistics. Local leaders are advocating for job protections for locals amidst ongoing challenges related to unemployment in the region.Key Takeaways
- 52 non-residents received domicile rights through marriage.
- Highest domicile certificates issued in Beerwah Tehsil.
- Local leaders demand job protections for residents.
- Article 370 and 35A abrogation changed land ownership rules.
- Conditions for domicile certificates include marriage and residency.
Jammu, March 13 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that 52 non-residents have been granted domicile rights through marriage in the Budgam district.
In response to a question from Dr. Mohammad Shafi Wani, the National Conference (NC) MLA representing the Beerwah constituency, Sakina Itoo, the Minister for Health & Medical Education, stated that these 52 non-residents obtained domicile rights through marriage in Beerwah Tehsil of Budgam district.
The Minister clarified that no non-residents were issued domicile certificates in the adjacent Magan and Narbal tehsils within the same district.
Providing comprehensive statistics, the Minister disclosed that 26,277 domicile certificates have been issued to locals in Magam tehsil, while 18,921 certificates were granted in Narbal tehsil.
“Beerwah tehsil boasts the highest number of domicile certificates issued, totaling 62,343 for its residents,” said Sakina Itoo.
It is important to note that prior to the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, the state subject certificate, which conferred rights to own land and apply for government jobs, was exclusively available to locals.
Following the abrogation of Article 35A, any citizen of India can own land in Jammu and Kashmir and apply for government positions.
However, certain conditions are required to obtain domicile certificates, including acquiring such a certificate through marriage (for both men and women) or residency/service in J&K for 15 years, or having studied there for seven years and passed Class 10 and Class 12 exams from a local educational institution.
Local leaders have expressed the need for job protections to ensure that opportunities are available exclusively to locals, addressing the significant issue of unemployment among educated and trained youth in the union territory.
It is worth mentioning that the status of permanent residents for locals of J&K was not established under Article 370, as is commonly misconceived. The right to permanent residency was instituted by a separate order from the former Maharaja, Hari Singh, in 1912. This right to acquire land and property was safeguarded by Article 35A, which was abrogated alongside Article 370 by Parliament on August 5, 2019.
