UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 2 Question Paper
Q. Discuss the nature of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Briefly describe the powers and functions of the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Introduction:
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 reorganised the former state into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature), redefining the nature and powers of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
Nature of the Legislative Assembly
- Union Territory Legislature Model
Similar to legislatures of Delhi and Puducherry. - Unicameral Legislature
Legislative Council abolished → only Legislative Assembly. - Strength
Assembly strength fixed at 114 seats (including 24 seats reserved for Pakistan-occupied areas). - Delimitation Changes
Delimitation carried out by Delimitation Commission of India increasing seats in Jammu region. - Lieutenant Governor System
Executive authority exercised by Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India.
Powers and Functions of the Assembly
Legislative Powers
- Can legislate on State List and Concurrent List subjects except:
- Public order
- Police
- Land
- These remain with the Union Government / Lieutenant Governor.
Executive Control
- Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister responsible to Assembly.
- Can question government through questions, motions and debates.
Financial Powers
- Discuss and pass budget and appropriation bills for the UT.
- Money bills introduced only with LG recommendation.
Law-making Role
- Bills passed by Assembly require assent of Lieutenant Governor.
Oversight Function
- Legislative scrutiny of administration through committees, debates and discussions.
Key Institutional Constraints
- Parliament retains overriding legislative power for the Union Territory.
- Lieutenant Governor may reserve bills for the President’s consideration.
- Greater central control compared to full-fledged states.
Conclusion:
Thus, the Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir functions as a limited legislature within a Union Territory framework, balancing democratic representation with enhanced central administrative oversight after the 2019 reorganisation.
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