SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor has approved for consideration a private member’s bill introduced by PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para proposing administrative reorganisation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the party urging the government to clarify its stand on the measure.
The bill seeks the creation of new divisions and districts to decentralise governance and address long-standing regional disparities, particularly in remote and underserved areas across the Union Territory.
It places emphasis on far-flung regions including Kupwara, Bandipora, Gurez, Karnah and Uri in Kashmir, and Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Bani and Basohli in Jammu, which continue to face challenges due to difficult terrain, limited connectivity and administrative distance.
PDP spokesperson Mohit Bhan said the Lieutenant Governor’s clearance has placed the onus on the elected government to take a clear and transparent position, describing the proposal as an effort to bring governance closer to the people and correct administrative imbalances.
He said the proposed reorganisation aims to ensure inclusive governance and improve administrative access in remote districts and border areas, adding that it provides a framework for equitable and participatory administration.
The PDP also questioned the silence of the ruling Jammu Kashmir National Conference, calling on it to state whether it supports decentralisation and enhanced administrative accessibility in regions such as Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal.
The party said the bill presents an opportunity to address structural inequities and urged the government to engage with it constructively, terming it a key test of its commitment to balanced regional development and grassroots empowerment.
