Srinagar, April 9 — The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that 83,742 domicile certificates were granted to non-locals over the past two years, as part of the administration’s
post-Article 370 framework that now allows Indian citizens to claim residency rights in the region.
In a written reply to legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the government stated that 35,12,184 domicile certificates have been issued across the region during the same period. Of these, 83,742 were issued to people who were not residents of the erstwhile state before the abrogation of Article 370.
Para had asked for details on the number of domicile certificates granted to non-state subjects in the last two years.
“This information is important to understand how demographic patterns may be shifting in Jammu and Kashmir under the current laws,” he said.
The government response came from the Minister in Charge, who acknowledged that a considerable number of certificates were issued to outsiders.
Domicile status, which earlier applied only to state subjects under the now-defunct Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, was redefined after Article 370 was revoked in August 2019. The Lieutenant Governor-led administration introduced the concept of "domicile" to replace the special status, thereby opening up eligibility for government jobs, land rights, and residency to Indian citizens who meet certain criteria, including staying in the region for a defined number of years or studying there.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential demographic impact and loss of local identity. However, the administration maintains the move ensures equitable access to opportunities and integrates J&K more closely with the rest of the country.