Bill introduced in Lok Sabha to provide OBC quota in J&K local bodies

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Monday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to provide reservation to Other Backward Classes in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir.

Currently, there is no provision for reservation of seats for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in panchayats and municipalities in the Union Territory.

The aim of the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is to uphold principles of fairness and inclusivity in local governance, thereby addressing long-standing disparities and ensuring justice for OBC citizens.

The Bill says that in future all local body polls will be conducted by a State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner, instead of the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu

and Kashmir.

The Bill says the State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a judge of a high court and the conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner shall not be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment.

Clause (6) of articles 243D and 243T of the Constitution empowers the legislature of a state to make provision for reservation of seats in any panchayat and municipality in favour of backward classes of citizens.

However, the Acts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir have no provision for reservation of seats for Other Backward Classes in Panchayats and municipalities.

According to articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for and the conduct of all elections to panchayats and municipalities are vested in a State Election

Commission.