Governance
Domicile Certificates in J&K
- 19 May 2020
- 4 min read
Why in News
Recently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration notified the J&K Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules 2020.
- It amended the rules for issuing domicile certificates in the Union territory.
- The new rules provide a simple time-bound and transparent procedure for issuance of domicile certificates.
Key Points
- J&K Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules 2020:
- It would provide the basis for issuing domicile certificates to those who meet the conditions as stated in the Centre’s gazette notification that introduced the domicile clause through an amendment to the Jammu And Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation And Recruitment) Act, 2010.
- Domicile certificates have now been made a basic eligibility condition for appointment to any post under the Union Territory of J&K.
- Under the amended rules, eligible non-locals can also apply for the certificate. The new process will allow West Pakistan refugees, safai karamcharis and children of women who married non-locals to apply for jobs.
- Domicile: Under Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order 2020, domicile is defined as any person who has resided for a period of 15 years in the UT of J&K or has studied for a period of seven years and appeared in class 10th and 12th examination in an educational institution located in the UT of J&K. It also has provisions related to migrants and government officials.
- Time Stipulated under the Rules:
- It sets a fast track process in motion to issue the certificates within a stipulated time of 15 days.
- If the certificate is not issued within the stipulated time, the applicant shall be free to approach an appellate authority.
- The decision of the appellate authority shall be binding upon the issuing authority and the orders to complied within 7 days, failing which the defaulting officer has to face a penalty of Rs. 50,000, to be recovered from his/her salary.
- Eligibility:
- Permanent Residents: All Permanent Resident Certificate holders and their children living outside J&K can apply for the certificates.
- Migrants: Kashmiri migrants living in or outside J&K can get domicile certificates by producing their Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC), ration card copy, voter card or any other valid document.
- Government Officials: Central government officials, All India Service Officers, officials of Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous bodies of the Central Government, Public Sector Banks, Statutory bodies, Central Universities and recognised research institutes of the Central Government, who have served in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir for a total period of ten years, are eligible for the certificate.
