Centre's Move to Empower J&K Lieutenant Governor Sparks Controversy

The Indian government has bolstered the authority of the lieutenant governor in Jammu and Kashmir, enabling him to make key decisions on police, services officers, and prosecution sanctions. The move, drawing criticism from various political parties, is seen as undermining the power of an elected government in the region.

The Centre has significantly strengthened the authority of the lieutenant governor in Jammu and Kashmir, empowering him to make decisions on crucial matters such as police, and all-India services officers and granting sanctions for prosecution in various cases.

The opposition slammed the Union government's move and termed it a step towards ''disempowering'' the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Union Home Ministry gave more powers to the L-G on Friday by amending rules framed under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This act, passed alongside the abrogation of Article 370, bifurcated the erstwhile state into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.