Srinagar, Apr 09: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday disclosed that around 83,742 domicile certificates have been granted to non-state subjects in the Union Territory over the past two years.
In a written response to MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the government as per the news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that around 35,12,184 domicile certificates have been issued in two years across the Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister Incharge also added that out of which, 83, 742 have been granted to individuals from outside the erstwhile state.
It is noteworthy that the legislator Para had sought details on the number of domicile certificates issued to non-locals across Jammu and Kashmir during the last 2 years.
Domicile status, which earlier applied only to state subjects under the now-defunct Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, was redefined after Article 370 was revoked in August 2019. The Lieutenant Governor-led administration introduced the concept of “domicile” to replace the special status, thereby opening up eligibility for government jobs, land rights, and residency to Indian citizens who meet certain criteria, including staying in the region for a defined number of years or studying there.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential demographic impact and loss of local identity. However, the administration maintains the move ensures equitable access to opportunities and integrates J&K more closely with the rest of the country.
