Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, January 10, 2026:
The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining three key legislations has invited suggestions and views from the public, stakeholders, and experts, with particular attention on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a proposed law of far-reaching significance for governance and administrative structure in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Apart from the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, the Committee is also scrutinising the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The JPC has encouraged individuals, civil society organisations, NGOs, institutions, subject experts, and other stakeholders to submit written memoranda expressing their views, concerns, and recommendations on the proposed legislations.
Significance of J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025:
The J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, assumes special importance as it seeks to amend provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which reorganised the erstwhile state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The proposed amendments are expected to further refine the administrative, legislative, and governance framework of the UT, impacting issues related to powers of the elected government, role of the Lieutenant Governor, functioning of institutions, and overall federal structure within the UT.
Given its direct implications for democratic governance and public administration in Jammu and Kashmir, the JPC’s call for public inputs is being viewed as a critical opportunity for stakeholders from the region to place their perspectives on record.
According to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, suggestions may be submitted in English or Hindi, in duplicate, to the Additional Secretary (DR), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 018, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi–110001, within 15 days from the date of publication of the notice. Submissions may also be emailed to [email protected]. For queries, contact numbers 23035743 and 23034335 have been provided.
The Committee has assured that all memoranda received will be treated as confidential and will form part of the official record of the JPC. Stakeholders who wish to appear before the Committee in person have been asked to clearly indicate their willingness while submitting their written views, although the final decision on oral hearings will rest with the Committee.
Other Bills Under Examination:
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes the removal of Ministers—including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers—who face serious criminal charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more and who have remained in detention for over 30 days, a provision that has generated intense legal and constitutional debate.
The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to introduce changes in the administrative functioning of Union Territories, including those with legislatures, and is closely linked with the governance model applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.
Progress of JPC Deliberations:
Earlier, the JPC invited the Law Commission of India and Vice Chancellors of National Law University, Delhi, and NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, to present expert opinions. During its second meeting held on December 7, extensive deliberations took place, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Law Ministry presenting their views. Members of Parliament raised concerns regarding constitutional validity, evidentiary support, and international best practices, following which the MHA was granted four weeks to respond to the observations.
The three bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, and were subsequently referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses. A 31-member JPC, chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, was constituted on November 12, 2025, to examine the proposed legislations in detail.
Observers note that the JPC’s outreach for public consultation, especially on the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, underscores the gravity of the proposed changes and provides a crucial platform for voices from Jammu and Kashmir to influence future legislative outcomes.
Explainer: What the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 May Change
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to introduce changes to the legal framework governing the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, originally established under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. While the detailed clauses are under examination by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), the Bill is expected to focus on refining governance structures, administrative clarity, and institutional functioning in the UT.
1. Centre–UT Relationship and Administrative Powers
One of the key areas likely to be addressed is the division of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG). Since 2019, there has been ongoing debate over the extent of executive authority exercised by the LG vis-à-vis the Council of Ministers. The Amendment Bill may seek to remove ambiguities and lay down clearer procedures for decision-making, particularly in matters involving public order, police, and administration.
2. Functioning of the Elected Government
The proposed amendments are expected to strengthen administrative efficiency by defining the roles of the Chief Minister, Cabinet, and bureaucracy. Supporters argue that this could reduce institutional friction and improve governance delivery, while critics fear it may further centralise authority if adequate safeguards for the elected government are not built in.
3. Legislative and Institutional Framework
The Bill may also revisit provisions related to the legislative assembly’s functioning, including procedures, timelines, and interaction with the LG’s office. Any such changes would directly impact how laws and policies are framed and implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Alignment with Other Union Territories
Another expected objective is to bring Jammu and Kashmir’s governance model closer in line with other Union Territories with legislatures, through parallel amendments to the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This alignment is being presented as a move towards uniformity and administrative consistency across UTs.
5. Long-Term Governance and Stability
The government maintains that the amendments aim to ensure long-term political stability, accountability, and smoother administration, while creating a predictable governance framework for development and investment in the UT.
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Background: From Reorganisation in 2019 to the 2025 Amendment Bill
In August 2019, Parliament passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, revoking the erstwhile state’s special status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature). The move marked a fundamental shift in the region’s constitutional and political landscape.
Following reorganisation, Jammu and Kashmir remained under Lieutenant Governor’s administration, with the elected legislative assembly yet to be restored. Over the years, several political parties and civil society groups have raised concerns regarding democratic representation, federal balance, and administrative authority.
In 2023 and 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 2019 decisions, while also underlining the importance of restoring democratic processes in the UT. Against this backdrop, the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is being seen as the next major legislative step in shaping the UT’s governance framework.
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Political Reactions and Emerging Debate
The proposed amendments have triggered diverse political reactions:
• Ruling party leaders have described the Bill as a necessary step to fine-tune governance, remove grey areas, and ensure smooth coordination between institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Regional political parties have expressed caution, arguing that any amendment must enhance the powers of the elected government and not dilute democratic authority.
• Opposition parties at the national level have called for wider consultations, stressing that changes affecting Jammu and Kashmir must reflect the aspirations of its people and respect federal principles.
• Legal and constitutional experts have highlighted the importance of clarity, transparency, and constitutional safeguards, warning that over-centralisation could lead to fresh political friction.
The JPC’s decision to invite public suggestions is therefore being viewed as a crucial opportunity for stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir to influence the final shape of the legislation.
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Why This Matters for J&K
The Amendment Bill will determine how power is exercised, how institutions interact, and how democracy functions in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years. Its final form could either strengthen participatory governance or deepen existing political concerns—making public engagement and parliamentary scrutiny critical at this stage.
