Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has recommended the introduction and consideration of a private member's bill moved by the PDP MLA Waheed Para.
The bill seeks statuary framework for organisation of administrative divisions, districts, sub districts and tehsils in the Union territory.
As per the officials order, issued in Pursuance of sub-section (1) of Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor accorded approval for introduction of the Bill styled as “the Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganization Bill, 2026” in the assembly.
The proposed bill calls for the creation of new administrative divisions, including a Chenab Division with headquarters in Doda and a Pir Panjal Division with headquarters in Rajouri, in addition to the existing divisions.
In the Jammu division, the bill suggests the formation of new hill districts such as Nowshera, Bhaderwah, Banihal, Thathri, Akhnoor, Billawar, Kotranka and Mendhar for focused administrative planning.
The draft suggests that power to assign districts to Jammu and Kashmir, Chenab or Pir Panjal divisions through notifications will rest with the government to ensure the geographical continuity, convenience, socio-cultural cohesion and balanced regional development.
The bill further points to the administrative challenges in the UT, arising from large geographical areas, difficult terrains and regional imbalance, and to provide a transparent legislative mechanism for the creation of new administrative units.
The proposal has been submitted to the Assembly Secretariat for consideration during the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly, which will resume on March 27 after a five-week long break following the conclusion of its first leg held from February 2 to 20.
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