Domicile Dynamics: New Rules Expand Access in Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued 52 domicile certificates to non-locals in Budgam district based on marriage, amid a wider issuance of 62,343 certificates across the area. This follows the implementation of new domicile rules post-abrogation of Article 370, permitting non-locals access to government jobs with a 15-year residency requirement.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration announced on Thursday the issuance of domicile certificates to 52 non-local individuals in the Budgam district, attributed to their marital ties, as revealed by Minister for Health and Education, Sakina Itoo, during a legislative session responding to NC member Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani's inquiries.

Minister Itoo disclosed that Narbal and Magam regions saw the distribution of 18,921 and 26,277 certificates respectively, with Beerwah issuing 62,343, including the 52 non-local cases due to marital status.

Following the 2020 amendment of domicile rules post-Article 370 abrogation, non-locals can now register for certificates, which can lead to job eligibility in Jammu and Kashmir, provided they meet a 15-year residency condition, shaping the evolving socio-political landscape in the region.