Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is composed of 90 members, who are elected from single-member constituencies. The Assembly is responsible for making laws for the union territory, and it also has the power to impeach the Chief Minister.
History
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was first established in 1951, following the accession of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to India. The Assembly was initially composed of 75 members, but this number was increased to 90 in 1989. The Assembly has been suspended several times, most recently from 2018 to 2020.
Composition
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is composed of 90 members, who are elected from single-member constituencies. The members are elected for a term of five years. The Assembly is dominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which currently holds 43 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) is the second-largest party in the Assembly, with 22 seats. The other parties represented in the Assembly include the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)).
Powers and Functions
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly also has the power to impeach the Chief Minister. The Assembly's other powers and functions include:
- Approving the state budget
- Ratifying treaties and agreements
- Declaring war and peace
- Impeaching the Chief Minister
- Amending the state constitution
Challenges
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has faced a number of challenges in recent years. These challenges include:
- The ongoing conflict in Kashmir
- The suspension of the Assembly from 2018 to 2020
- The abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India in 2019
Conclusion
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is a vital institution in the governance of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly has a long and complex history, and it has faced a number of challenges in recent years. However, the Assembly remains an important forum for debate and discussion on the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources
- Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly website
- Jammu and Kashmir - Britannica.com
- Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections 2022: BJP emerges as single largest party - The Hindu