Centre widens J&K L-G powers, administrative roles

Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the centre increased the powers of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha by amending the Transaction of Business Rules. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs amended Section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 in which the authority for transfer postings of officers will be vested in the Lieutenant Governor.

This amendment will enhance the Lieutenant Governor’s powers in matters related to police and public order.

New clauses added to the Act

42A - Proposals for the appointment of lawyers, the Advocate General, and other officers in the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs will be presented to the Lieutenant Governor by the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister.

42B - Any proposal regarding the grant or refusal of prosecution sanction or filing an appeal will be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor by the Department of Law through the Chief Secretary.

Omar Abdullah questions the decision

National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah slammed the government by taking to his X, “Another indicator that elections are around the corner in J&K. This is why a firm commitment laying out the timeline for restoration of full, undiluted statehood for J&K is a prerequisite for these elections. The people of J&K deserve better than a powerless, rubber stamp CM who will have to beg the LG to get his/her peon appointed.”

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