Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 was enacted to reorganize the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir (with legislature) and Ladakh (without legislature). The Act consists of 103 Sections divided into 14 Parts, covering administration, legislature, judiciary, finances, services, and legal adjustments.
It was a landmark legislation aimed at ensuring administrative efficiency, integration with the Union of India, and uniformity in governance.
Key Highlights & Parts of the Act
| Part | Sections | Focus | Important Points for Exams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I: Preliminary | 1–2 | Short title & definitions | Defines terms like “State”, “Union Territory”, “Government” |
| Part II: Reorganisation of the State | 3–7 | Formation of UTs | Jammu & Kashmir UT with legislature; Ladakh UT without legislature |
| Part III: Representation in Legislatures | 8–12 | Parliament & Assembly | Number of seats in Lok Sabha & Legislative Assembly; adaptation of existing laws |
| Part IV: Lieutenant Governor & Legislative Assembly of J&K | 13–57 | Administration & Assembly | Powers of LG, composition of assembly, legislative powers, procedures |
| Part V: Delimitation of Constituencies | 58–64 | Delimitation | Process for adjusting constituencies based on population |
| Part VI: Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes | 65–66 | Representation | Reservation of seats as per SC/ST orders |
| Part VII: Representation of People | 67–74 | Local Representation | Rules for local governance and elections |
| Part VIII: High Court | 75–78 | Judiciary | Common High Court for both UTs; jurisdiction & powers |
| Part IX: Advocate General | 79–80 | Legal Advisor | Appointment of Advocate General for J&K UT |
| Part X: Authorisation of Expenditure | 81–83 | Finance | Consolidated Fund, authorisation of expenditure, financial management |
| Part XI: Apportionment of Assets & Liabilities | 84–90 | Assets & Liabilities | Division of state property, debts, and liabilities between UTs |
| Part XII: Provisions as to Corporations | 91–92 | State Corporations | Administrative adjustments for existing state corporations |
| Part XIII: Provisions as to Services | 93–102 | Civil Services | Management of employees, service conditions, transfer of personnel |
| Part XIV: Legal & Miscellaneous | 103–104 | Miscellaneous | Repeals, savings, and powers to remove difficulties arising from the Act |
Exam-Oriented Notes:
The Act officially came into force on 31st October 2019.
Ladakh UT has no legislature; administration is directly under Lieutenant Governor.
Jammu & Kashmir UT retains a legislative assembly with powers defined under Part IV.
Delimitation Commission (Part V) plays a crucial role in constituency reorganization.
Common High Court ensures judicial uniformity between both UTs.
Financial and service provisions (Parts X & XIII) were designed to smoothly transition assets, liabilities, and government personnel.
Important MCQs for JKSSB/JKPSC
When did the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act come into effect?
A) 5th August 2019
B) 31st October 2019 ✅
C) 15th November 2019
D) 1st January 2020
Which Part of the J&K Reorganisation Act deals with the High Court?
A) Part IV
B) Part VII
C) Part VIII ✅
D) Part IX
How many Parts are there in the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019?
A) 10
B) 12
C) 14 ✅
D) 16
Which UT created under the Act does NOT have a legislative assembly?
A) Jammu & Kashmir
B) Ladakh ✅
C) Chandigarh
D) Delhi
Which Part of the Act covers the administration and legislative powers of Jammu & Kashmir UT?
A) Part III
B) Part IV ✅
C) Part V
D) Part VI