• The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Amit Shah on June 24, 2019.  The Bill amends the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated on March 1, 2019.  The Act provides for reservation in appointment and promotions in state government posts, and admission to professional institutions for certain reserved categories.  Professional institutions include government medical colleges, dental colleges, and polytechnics.    
   
• Extension of reservation:  The Act provides for reservation in appointment and promotions in certain state government posts to persons belonging to socially and educationally backward classes.  It defines socially and educationally backward classes to include persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.  The Bill amends this to include those persons living in areas adjoining the International Border, within the ambit of this reservation. 
   
• Further, the Act states that any person who has been appointed on the basis of residence in an area adjoining the Line of Control, must serve in such areas for at least seven years.  The Bill extends this condition to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border as well.
   
• Exclusion from reservation:  The Act states that any person whose annual income exceeds three lakh rupees or other amount as notified by the state government, would not be included within socially and educationally backward classes.  However, this exclusion does not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the Actual Line of Control.  The Bill states that in addition, this exclusion will not apply to persons living in areas adjoining the International Border also.       

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