Amid the covoid 19 lockdown, the Government of India has notified rules for the domicile law that was passed on the night of 31 March. The late night order laid down the procedures for non-locals from other states to obtain permanent citizenship in Jammu Kashmir.
The order states that Non-locals can now apply for domicile certificates under this new law and become eligible for rights to ownership of immovable property and government jobs across Jammu Kashmir.
This was done following amendments in the Jammu Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act, 2010.
This law further states that besides the natives who possess the erstwhile Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC), the Jammu Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules, 2020 allow now categorize four categories of non-locals as eligible for domicile rights including possession of property rights and appointment to government jobs.
The persons and their children who have lived in J-K for at least 15 years or have studied in the Union Territory for seven years, appeared in class 10th or 12th examinations in J-K can apply for the permanent citizenship.
Also, the children of employees of the central government who have lived in the Jammu Kashmir for a period of ten years, migrants and their children registered with the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner; children of permanent residents who reside outside J-K owing to economic reasons can also apply for a domicile certificate.
The rules laid down by the Government of India provide for a quick and time bound procedure for the issuance of domicile certificates to non-locals.
The rules allow for online application and receipt of the domicile certificates within a period of 15 days.
The law further states that, if any officer of the issuing authorities – the Tehsildars, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner for migrants, and senior officials of the General Administration Department – do not comply with the order the officials will have to pay a fine/penalty of Rs. 50,000.
The domicile law has now enabled the West Pakistan Refugee and Dalits of the Jammu region and the children of women PRC holders married outside Jammu Kashmir to be eligible for domicile certificate and associated rights.