Amendments to Administrative Role of J&K L-G

Source- This post on the Amendments to Administrative Role of J&K L-G has been created based on the article “Centre amends rules to broaden the administrative role of J&K L-G” published in “The Hindu” on 13 July 2024.

About Amendments to the Administrative Role of J&K L-G

i) On August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status under Article 370 and was reorganized into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh.

ii) Since June 2018, J&K has been under Central rule, with statehood pending restoration post-Assembly elections mandated by the Supreme Court before September 30, 2024.

Key Amendments:

i)  The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amended the Transaction of Business Rules under Section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

ii)  The amendments significantly enhance the administrative authority of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir.

iii) Police and Public Order: The L-G now has enhanced authority in matters relating to police, public order, and the All India Service (AIS).

iv) Finance Department Concurrence: Proposals requiring prior concurrence of the Finance Department in these areas must first be placed before the L-G through the Chief Secretary.

v) Appointments and Transfers: Decisions on appointments of Advocate-General, Law Officers, and prosecution sanctions must also be approved by the L-G through the Chief Secretary.

vi) Specific Provisions: The Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs is mandated to seek approval from the L-G for appointments and legal matters.

vi) Matters concerning prisons, the Directorate of Prosecution, and the Forensic Science Laboratory are now within the purview of the L-G’s decision-making process.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation