New Delhi: A bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 was introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday, paving the way for people living near the International Border to get benefits of reservation in jobs, promotion and educational institutions.
The legislation will replace the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019.
Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy introduced the bill on behalf of Home Minister Amit Shah. The bill will bring same benefits to the people living near the IB as those near the LoC, after they were kept out of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act 2004 and Rules 2005.
"Due to continuous cross border tensions, persons living along the International Border suffer from socio-economic and educational backwardness," said the government in a statement on the reasons for introduction of the bill.
"This situation often compels departure of these residents to other safer places thereby having an adverse impact on their economic condition and educational status."
Amit Shah, in a written statement, said that the President issued a proclamation on December 19, 2018 under Article 356 of the Constitution declaring that the powers of the legislature of the state of Jammu and Kashmir shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.
He said the legislation will meet the long-pending demand of the people living near the border.
