Jammu and Kashmir Government Issues Over 83,000 Domicile Certificates to Non-State Subjects in Two Years

Srinagar, April 9, 2025 – In a significant revelation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that 83,742 domicile certificates have been granted to non-state subjects over the past two years. The disclosure came in a written response to a question raised by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para during a legislative session.

According to the government, this figure is part of a larger total of 35,12,184 domicile certificates issued across the Union Territory during the same period.

The data highlights the implementation of new domicile laws introduced following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which redefined residency criteria in Jammu and Kashmir. Under these rules,

Individuals who have resided in the region for 15 years, studied there for seven years and appeared for Class 10th or 12th exams, or are children of certain Central Government officials who served in the region for 10 years, are eligible for domicile status.

The move has sparked debates over its implications for the region’s demographic and political landscape.

The government’s response has drawn attention amid ongoing discussions in the assembly, with critics arguing that the issuance of certificates to non-state subjects could alter the socio-cultural fabric of the erstwhile state. Official sources indicate that the process, streamlined since 2020, allows applications both online and through tehsildar offices, ensuring accessibility while maintaining transparency.

As Jammu and Kashmir navigates its post-Article 370 framework, the issuance of over 35 lakh domicile certificates approximately 2.4% of which have gone to non-state subjects marks a pivotal shift in the region’s residency policies.