KP Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Bill 2022 Likely in Rajya Sabha on Dec 5

New Delhi, Dec 4: The Kashmiri Pandits (Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Bill, 2022 is likely to come up for discussion in the Rajya Sabha on December 5. The private member’s bill has been tabled by Kashmiri-origin Member of Parliament Vivek Tankha.

The bill was earlier selected through a draw of lots in September but could not be taken up for discussion at that time. This time, the President of India has given fresh approval for the bill, which was formally conveyed by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to MP Tankha on November 14.

The proposed legislation aims to ensure the rehabilitation and resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to flee the Valley during the 1990 exodus and are currently living across different parts of India and abroad.

The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), a nodal organisation representing the Kashmiri Pandit community, has extended its support to the bill. AIKS President Ravinder Pandita said the organisation has also approached all four Shankaracharyas seeking their support. “This bill should be supported by all political parties,” he said.

All eyes are now on the Upper House ahead of the proposed discussion on December 5.