New Delhi:The Ministry of Home Affairs has significantly expanded the powers of the Lieutenant Governor in Jammu and Kashmir by amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. The amended rules, notified under Section 55 of the Act, introduce new provisions that enhance the LG’s authority over the Union Territory.
The amendments grant the Lieutenant Governor broader discretionary powers in various administrative and governance matters. Key changes include increased control over the appointment, posting, and transfers of officials, as well as the ability to make decisions on financial matters without prior approval. Additionally, the LG’s role in law and order has been strengthened.
The Centre has justified the amendments as necessary for effective governance and ensuring stability in the region. However, opposition parties have raised concerns about the potential erosion of democratic principles and the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual.
The development has sparked a debate on the balance between administrative efficiency and democratic accountability in Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that the expanded powers of the LG could undermine the role of elected representatives and local governance institutions.
The amendments have been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public. The implications of these changes for the future of Jammu and Kashmir remain to be seen.
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