By JNM | Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The issue of administrative reorganization is once again in the headlines in Jammu and Kashmir politics. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has introduced a private member’s bill in the Assembly proposing the trifurcation of Jammu province.
The “Jammu and Kashmir Territorial Administrative Reorganization Bill, 2026,” introduced by the party’s youth leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, calls for changes to the existing administrative structure.
The proposal calls for the reorganization of the existing Jammu province into three parts. It proposes the creation of Chenab Province, headquartered in Doda, by merging Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts. It also proposes the creation of Pir Panjal Province, headquartered in Rajouri, by merging Rajouri and Poonch.
The bill states that under the new administrative structure, the government should be empowered to create provinces such as Jammu, Kashmir, Chenab, and Pir Panjal and to reorganize the districts within them.
The PDP has also emphasized the creation of new districts in its proposal. The party believes that many districts are geographically large and inaccessible, which hinders administrative work. Therefore, the creation of smaller districts can strengthen governance.
In the Jammu region, Akhnoor, Billawar, Bhaderwah, Banihal, Nowshera, Kotranka, and Mendhar have been suggested as districts. In the Kashmir region, areas like Tral, Awantipora, Sopore, Handwara, Gurez, and Karnah have been proposed as new districts.
The PDP states that this reorganization will increase administrative efficiency and ensure access to development in remote areas. However, the response of other political parties to this proposal is still awaited.
This issue is likely to be discussed in the upcoming assembly session, which may further intensify the political turmoil in the state.
