Jammu Kashmir Continues Pensions to Former Ladakh Lawmakers | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday confirmed that pensions to former legislators elected from areas now part of Ladakh will continue, citing provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 and directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In a written reply to a cut motion moved by Sajad Gani Lone, the Minister in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs stated that the continuation of pensions aligns with transitional safeguards under the Reorganisation Act. Members elected from Ladakh were part of the undivided Jammu and Kashmir legislature, and pensions earned during their tenure remain a legal entitlement.

The reply highlighted that Section 95 of the Reorganisation Act allows existing laws to continue in successor Union Territories until amended or repealed, while Section 87 covers financial obligations such as pensions during the division of assets and liabilities. These payments are a continuation of previously earned benefits, not new entitlements, and are subject to final financial adjustment between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as determined by the Central Government.

Officials clarified that since the pensions were authorised under the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members’ Pension Act, 1984, and no equivalent law exists in Ladakh, the liability rests with the JK administration. The JK Legislative Assembly Secretariat handles the disbursement, with approval from the Finance Department and the Lieutenant Governor.