No change in stance on Article 370 and 35A

new delhi — There has been no change in Article 370 and 35A following the Union Cabinet’s decisions on Jammu and Kashmir, and any reports to the effect were “mischievous”, official sources said here on Thursday.

They said some people were spreading rumours about the cabinet decisions and the Home Ministry has clarified there was no change at all in respect of the two Articles.

Article 370 and 35A contain special provisions for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Ordinance, bringing persons residing in the areas adjoining International Border within the ambit of reservation at par with persons living in areas adjoining the Line of Control (LoC).

The Cabinet also approved the proposal of Jammu and Kashmir government regarding amendment to the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) order, 1954 by way of the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Amendment Order, 2019.

It will pave the way for giving benefit of promotion in service to the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and also extend the reservation of up to 10 per cent for “economically weaker sections” in educational institutions and public employment in addition to the existing reservation in Jammu and Kashmir. —