Overview
- Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who approved the bill on Thursday, sent it for introduction during private members’ business slated for March 30 and April 1.
- The proposal from PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para seeks two new divisions — Chenab based in Doda and Pir Panjal based in Rajouri — plus 16 new districts split evenly across Jammu and the Valley.
- The draft sets up a process where the government would consult District Development Councils, invite public objections, and issue notifications before any new unit takes shape.
- Para says the measure creates no immediate charge on the Union Territory’s Consolidated Fund, with any costs to follow later through existing or future budget allocations.
- The PDP is pressing the elected government to declare its stance, while the ruling National Conference has derided the move and argued it is unlikely to be taken up or passed soon.