52 Non-Locals Granted Domicile Certificates Through Marriage in Central Kashmir’s Budgam
Jammu, Mar 13, KNT: The government has confirmed that 52 non-locals have been granted domicile certificates in the Beerwah Tehsil of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The disclosure was made during a legislative session on Thursday in response to queries raised by National Conference (NC) legislator Dr. Shafi Wani.
Providing details, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, stated that these individuals had acquired domicile rights through marriage within the Beerwah region, which includes Narbal and Magam tehsil. She emphasized that their applications were processed as per the legal provisions governing domicile status in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The domicile certificates were issued under the prescribed norms, and all necessary verifications were conducted before granting them,” Sakina Itoo informed the House, addressing concerns over the criteria followed in awarding these rights.
The issue of domicile status for non-locals has remained a sensitive subject in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which led to changes in residency laws. Under the new regulations, non-locals married to permanent residents, individuals residing in J&K for a specific period, and certain government employees are eligible for domicile status.
Dr. Shafi Wani, while raising the issue, sought clarity on whether these domicile grants would lead to broader demographic changes in the region. He urged the government to ensure transparency in the process to prevent any misuse of the new laws. [KNT]
