Amit Shah to introduce bill amending J&K local bodies laws, OBC reservation in Lok Sabha today

In a significant development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha today. This proposed legislation seeks to make substantial amendments to the existing laws governing local governance in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The bill targets three pivotal acts: the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (IX of 1989), the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000 (XX of 2000), and the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 (XXI of 2000).

Aiming to address key issues, the bill’s primary objectives include the introduction of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in municipalities and aligning local bodies laws with constitutional provisions to enhance governance efficiency and equity.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, paved the way for today’s discussion by introducing the bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The proposed amendments, if passed, are expected to have far-reaching effects on local governance, representation, and overall development in the region.