CM meets Home Minister, discusses J&K statehood

Srinagar, May 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and held discussions on a range of issues, including the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood.
In a post on X, the CM’s office said Omar Abdullah discussed matters related to the restoration of statehood, the Transaction of Business Rules, and the rationalization of reservation with the Home Minister.
“Chief Minister Omar met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah in New Delhi today and held discussions on a range of issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, including restoration of statehood, Transaction of Business Rules, rationalization of reservation, and other key governance and public welfare matters,” the post read.
The meeting also covered the prevailing security and economic situation, with emphasis on ensuring sustained peace, stability, and inclusive growth for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting assumes significance as the J&K Government is understood to have nearly resolved differences with the Union Government over proposed amendments to the Transaction of Business Rules of the Union Territory.
According to sources, a formal proposal regarding the appointment of an Advocate General has also been initiated by the J&K Government. Under the Transaction of Business Rules, the proposal for appointment of the Advocate General must be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor through the Chief Secretary and Chief Minister.
The post of Advocate General is currently vacant. It has remained unfilled since October 18, 2024, when the then incumbent D.C. Raina resigned following the formation of the elected government.
The proposal for rationalization of reservation is also awaiting clearance of Union Government. It was sent by the LG to the Union Government for prior reference. The proposal seeks a three percent reduction in the Reserved Backward Area quota and a seven percent reduction in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota, thereby enhancing the share of open merit by 10 percent.
Before leaving for New Delhi, the CM told reporters that he would raise matters related to the Business Rules, the appointment of the Advocate General, and reservation with the Union Home Minister.
“Wish we could have got statehood through one meeting-we would have achieved it long back. It is a continuous process, but I raise the demand for statehood whenever I meet him. There are other issues as well, such as our Business Rules, the appointment of the Advocate General, and the reservation issue, which the LG has referred to New Delhi. It is better to discuss these issues, along with other matters, with the Home Minister. Today I will discuss these issues along with other matters,” he said. (KNO)