Structures of the Governance in Jammu and Kashmir

Chapter 10: Structures of the Governance in Jammu and Kashmir

(Exercise)

1. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN BRIEF

I. In how many Union Territories and States, India is divided into?

Answer:- After the re-organization of Jammu and Kashmir on 9th of August 2019, that came into effect from 31st October 2019, the state was divided into two Union Territories- Ladakh (without legislative assembly) and Jammu & Kashmir (with legislative assembly) making the total number of states  28 where as that of Union Territories to 8. (As on October 2021). 

The eight UTs are: 

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
• Chandigarh 
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 
• Delhi 
• Ladakh 
• Lakshadweep 
•  Jammu and Kashmir 
• Puducherry

II. How Lieutenant Governor is appointed?

Answer:- Union Territory is administered by the Lieutenant Governor. He is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of Prime Minister and his Cabinet.

III. What are the functions of Lieutenant Governor?

Answer:- The primary function of the gevernor is to preserve, protect and defend the constitution under article 159 of the Indian Constitution. All his/her actions, recommendations and supervisory powers over the executive and legislative entities of a State shall be used to implement the provisions of the Constitution. In this respect, the governor has many different types of powers:

Executive – powers related to administration, appointments and removals.

Legislative – powers related to lawmaking and the state legislature, that is State Legislative Assembly ( Vidhan Sabha) or State Legislative Council ( Vidhan Parishad).

Discretionary – powers to be carried out according to the discretion of the governor.

IV. Write briefly the functions of a District Collector.

Answer:- A collector is the Chief Representative of the district. The functions performed by him may be classified into following heads:

Regulatory Functions: maintenance of law and order with the assistance of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Revenue Function: plays a pivotal role in assessing the lands in a district for the purpose of collecting land revenue. He also performs magisterial responsibilities as he has the powers of a first class Magistrate.

Developmental Functions: The Collector directs and supervises the execution of developmental plans.

Public Security, Law and Order and Preventive Action: He takes preventive action to ensure public peace and tranquillity by way of making preventive arrests under CrPC and for National Security.

District Planning: He is the chairperson of the District Planning Council (DPC) and is involved in preparing the 5 year and annual district plans. He oversees the progress and implementation of schemes and projects

Disaster Management: In case of natural calamities like flood, famines or epidemics, the collector has a duty to manage the disaster. Chairs the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC)

District Civil Supplies: He administers management of provision of essentials by way of Public Distribution System (PDS

Fair Price to Agricultural products: He possesses the power to distribute agricultural loans and help farmers auction products at reasonable prices.

Supervision of District Treasury: He is the authority controlling the District Treasury safeguarding public money and government property

District Excise Department: supervises the payment of monthly rents, inspects the quality of liquor and strictly prohibits adulteration of liquor.

2. FILL IN THE BLANKS

I. The principle unit of administration in a Union Territory is the district and its head is known as _____________.

Answer:- District Collector

II. The Head of administration in the Sub-division is known as.

Answer:- Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDO/SDM)

III. The Head of administration at Tehsil level is known as _______________.

Answer:- Tehsildar