Bill seeking to give quota to OBCs in J&K local bodies introduced in Lok Sabha

A bill seeking to provide reservation to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by minister of state for home Nityanand Rai, assumes importance as currently, there is no provision for reservation of seats for OBCs in panchayats and municipalities in the Union territory.

According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the aim of the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is to uphold principles of fairness and inclusivity in local governance, thereby addressing long-standing disparities and ensuring justice for OBC citizens.


It added: "With this... justice will be ensured to the citizens of Other Backward Classes of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after 75 years of independence."

Besides seeking reservation for OBCs in local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, the bill says that in future all local body polls will be conducted by a state election commission consisting of a state election commissioner, instead of a chief electoral officer of Jammu and Kashmir.