The Rajya Sabha swiftly approved the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill, endorsing a 33 percent reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly.
The passage occurred within 20 minutes, amid disruptions by Opposition members seeking a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Parliament security breach on December 13.
In June 2018, the BJP withdrew support from its coalition partner, the PDP, leading to the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly in November 2018.
Following this political upheaval, on August 5, 2019, the Indian government abrogated Article 370, revoking the special autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Simultaneously, the state’s assembly was dissolved, and the region was reorganized into two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, since then Jammu Kashmir assembly has been dysfunctional.
While passing the bill, Chairman Rajya Sabha Jagdeep Dhankhar highlighted the collective concern over the security breach, stating that a high-level enquiry committee had been formed by Speaker Lok Sabha (Om Birla) to investigate the incident. The Chairman emphasized the need for a safe and conducive atmosphere for the august institution.
Despite two adjournments earlier in the day due to opposition protests about the security breach, the bill, which had been passed by Lok Sabha on December 12, received clearance from both Houses. The legislation, including similar reservation for the Puducherry Assembly, awaits the President’s approval to become law.
During the proceedings, members from various parties voiced their support or opposition to the bills. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Bill aims to reserve seats for women in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory, with specific provisions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The reservation extends to General Category Women, and the bill ensures a minimum of 30 seats for women, inclusive of those for SCs and STs. Additionally, nominated seats will include representation from among women and Kashmir Pandit migrants.