Introduction:

The 2019 Reorganization Act split the former state into two Union Territories, giving Jammu and Kashmir an elected legislature under Article 239A, while Ladakh was created without a legislature, reshaping lawmaking and governance structures in the region.

Body

Nature of the J&K Legislative Assembly after 2019

• UT status and legislature: UT with a legislature although Ladakh is a UT without a legislature.
• Assembly size and vacant seats: Total seats are 114 on paper, with 24 vacant for areas under Pakistan’s occupation; 90 are elected after delimitation.
• Regional seat distribution and reservations: Of the 90 elected seats, 43 are in Jammu and 47 in Kashmir; SC and ST seats are reserved as per population, with ST reservation introduced for the first time.
• Administration structure: The UT is run by the President through the Lieutenant Governor; UT governance rules under Article 239 and the Act apply to J&K.
• Model and degree of powers: J&K functions like a UT with a legislature (similar to Puducherry), not like a full state with full state powers.

Powers of the J&K UT Assembly

• State List powers with key exceptions: It can make laws on State List subjects, except Public Order and Police, which stay with the LG or the Union.
• Concurrent List powers with Union primacy: It can legislate on Concurrent List subjects, but Union law prevails if there is a conflict.
• Financial legislation procedure: Money and certain financial bills need the Lieutenant Governor’s prior recommendation before being introduced.

Functions of the J&K UT Assembly

• Law-making role: It makes laws on allowed State and Concurrent List subjects, within UT limits and Union primacy.
• Executive oversight: It questions, debates, and uses committees to oversee the Council of Ministers, within a framework headed by the LG.
• Budget and appropriations: It passes the Budget and grants for UT subjects, following procedures that require the LG’s prior recommendation where needed.
• Representation and inclusion: It ensures representation through SC/ST reservations and can include nominated women and migrant representatives for broader inclusion.

Conclusion 

J&K’s Assembly can make local laws but key areas stay with the LG and Parliament. The road to its progress stays in its steady sittings, clear LG–government coordination on finances and security, and responsive laws that reflect delimitation-based representation.

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