Seats for PoK to be increased in J

Srinagar, July 6 (UNI) In a major decision, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said a Constitution Amendment Bill would be brought in the coming Assembly session to increase 25 per cent seats, including those reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in the House.

Addressing a news conference here, Mr Azad also said that a Commission would soon be appointed to look into the delimitation of the constituencies in the state.

He said the terms of reference of the Delimitation Commission would look into the rotation of seats, continuity of areas and proportionate 25 per cent increase in the seat share of Jammu and Kashmir regions besides PoK.

The Commission would be given a minimum of one year time to submit its recommendations, the Chief Minister added.

At present, the strength of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is 87 and 24 seats are reserved for PoK.

Mr Azad said the Constitution Amendment Bill would be brought in the coming session of the state Assembly, beginning July 28.

''We want to contest the next elections in the state under the new set up with a substantial increase in number of constituencies,'' he added.

UNI AG RR BST1446