Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 24: In a move that could reshape the administrative structure of Jammu and Kashmir, People's Democratic Party MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para has introduced a Private Member Bill in the Legislative Assembly proposing the creation of two new divisions and 16 districts.

The proposed Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganisation Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a structured legislative framework for carving out administrative units, moving away from what it describes as ad-hoc executive decisions that have historically determined boundaries in the region.

The Bill comes amid the Union Territory’s ongoing transition following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

At its core, the proposal calls for the creation of two new divisions—Chenab Division with headquarters at Doda and Pir Panjal Division with headquarters at Rajouri—potentially ending the long-standing two-division system of Jammu and Kashmir.

It also proposes 16 new districts, equally divided between Kashmir and Jammu regions. In Kashmir, the suggested districts include Tral-Awantipora, Ashmuqam-Pahalgam, Beerwah, Sopore, Handwara, Gurez, Tangdhar-Karnah and Norabad. In Jammu, eight “hill districts” have been proposed, including Nowshera, Bhadarwah, Banihal, Thatri, Akhnoor, Billawar, Kotranka and Mendhar.

The draft emphasises the need to bring governance closer to people in remote and mountainous areas, citing challenges such as difficult terrain, scattered populations and poor connectivity.

While framed as an administrative reform, the proposal carries political significance, as demands for separate divisions in regions like Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal have persisted for years, with local leaders alleging marginalisation under the current system.

The Bill also outlines a transparent process for reorganisation, including consultations with District Development Councils, inviting public feedback, and placing reasons for changes before the Assembly. It empowers the government to reorganise sub-divisions and tehsils based on factors such as population, terrain and accessibility.

Although the Financial Memorandum states that the Bill does not involve immediate expenditure, the creation of new administrative units would require substantial investment in infrastructure and staffing over time.

Private Member Bills rarely become law, especially in a Union Territory where key powers rest with the Centre. However, the move is seen as politically significant, signalling an attempt by elected representatives to assert a greater role in shaping governance structures in Jammu and Kashmir.