Where’s J&K Headed? An In-Depth Look at Centre’s Move to Expand LG Authorities

Enhancing the authority of the LG in the lead-up to assembly polls sends out the wrong signals.

The Centre’s decision to expand the powers of Jammu & Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor (LG) has raised many eyebrows. Through an amendment in the current rules, the LG has now been granted final authority over the All India Service cadre, police matters, postings, and sanctioning prosecutions among other crucial areas. This move marks the second time this year that the Centre has extended its jurisdiction over the operations of the Union Territory.

This development becomes all the more perplexing given the impending assembly elections, which, as directed by the Supreme Court, are to be held by September 30. The timing of this expansion raises significant concerns regarding the path ahead for J&K.

Twin Goals in J&K | Jammu & Kashmir’s unique context, plagued by insurgency, undoubtedly requires special attention. The recent surge in terror attacks in the Jammu area underscores the need for an effective administration to bring an end to the violence. Equally critical, however, is the restoration of the democratic process. The high voter turnout in Valley constituencies during the recent Lok Sabha polls signals the people’s desire for this very process.

The upcoming Assembly elections, the first in a decade, present a golden opportunity. However, the Centre’s expansion of authority in the run-up to these elections has already stirred doubts about the powers an elected government will hold.

Will J&K Get What It Had? | Another layer of complexity is added as this move puts a question mark on the restoration of statehood to J&K, a promise the Centre had made to fulfill ‘at the earliest’. While the LG may be the top authority in a Union Territory, a state is governed by elected representatives with the governor holding limited powers. What will happen to this central authority if J&K is once again granted statehood?

The onus now lies on the Centre to address the concerns surrounding this recent move. Winning the trust and hearts of people in such a conflict-prone region necessitates utmost transparency.