The number of Assembly seats has increased to 90 in Jammu and Kashmir following the latest delimitation, with 47 in Kashmir and 43 in Jammu
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir would be held by the end of the year.
According to local media reports, Mr Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the Union Territory, said the delimitation process was recently concluded while speaking at an event in Jammu.
Assembly seats increased in J&K
“Previously, there were 83 seats in Jammu and Kashmir, with 37 in Jammu and the rest in Kashmir,” the defence minister explained, adding that following the recently completed delimitation, the number of seats has grown to 90, with 47 in Kashmir and 43 in Jammu.
He remarked, “It is possible that Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir may be held by the end of the year.”
‘J&K will become more powerful’
As per the defence minister, Jammu and Kashmir has been isolated for the last 70 years, but the foundations for a new Jammu and Kashmir have been established, and it will become more ‘powerful’ in the coming days.
‘Government won’t allow more migrations’
Rajnath Singh praised the government’s measures, saying that for the first time, the government gives refugees their appropriate rights. He said that transit accommodations for displaced Kashmir Pandits had been constructed for the betterment of the community.
He further stated that the Union government will not allow any more migrations and that measures are being taken to ensure that all inhabitants of J&K have equal opportunity.
‘Agneepath Scheme a great chance for Indian youngsters’
While speaking about the Agneepath Scheme, Rajnath Singh stated that the plan is a great chance for Indian youngsters to join the Armed Forces and serve their country in their prime youth.
With the future of the young people in mind, Rajnath Singh said that the government, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives, has raised the age restriction for Agniveer recruitment from 21 to 23 years for the 2022 recruitment cycle.
“The government’s lowering of the age limit shows that it cares about the younger generation. The Department of Military Affairs and the Ministry of Defence are committed to starting the recruiting process as soon as possible,” Mr Singh said.
