While there are rumours that the Union government is trying to grant special status to J&K and Ladakh (by the Congress) the centre has denied any such development.
Bengaluru: A mischief-mongering Congress is trying to create confusion and needless controversies as there are talks that the party is pushing news that the government is trying to grant special status to the newly formed union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Union minister of state for PMO Jitendra Singh on Saturday told TOI: “These rumours (about special provisions for UTs of J&K and Ladakh under Article 371) are part of a conspiracy by Congress and National Conference, both of which were prime beneficiaries of now scrapped Article 370, to plant stories in the media and create misgivings. There is no such move to bring back special status for J&K through the back door. I must also clarify that there is no correlation between Article 370 and Article 371, with the latter meant to only protect the unique cultural identity and traditions of a particular area or state.”
However, on the other hand, the government is planning to bring in a domicile policy for the Union territories.
One of the characteristics of the proposed domicile policy is to have a cut-off period for residents, which included a mandatory 15-year period for domicile status.
The domicile status is a must for land ownership and rights. It is also to be noted that domiciled residents will also get preference in civil services as well as admissions to higher educational institutions.
But there is a catch here. These domicile rules would not apply to industrialists or businessmen who wish to set up industries of factories.
“They will be offered land right away not only to set up industry or business unit but also for establishment of an ancillary colony,” said a government functionary, as quoted by Times of India.
While the domicile cut-off will apply to all ordinary residents, some exceptions are being considered for civil servants and their children. “As per the pattern among many states, civil servants and their children are considered domicile of their cadre state. However, considering that all future officers will be allotted to AGMUT and not J&K cadre, we need to take a considered view before extending J&K/Ladakh domicile in case of AGMUT cadre officers,” said an official, as quoted by the Times of India.
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