Question : THE AUTONOMY RESOLUTION

(a) whether the State Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir has passed a resolution for the State autonomy by restoring its pre-1953 status;

(b) whether the Government have gone through the report of the State Autonomy Committee as well as the resolution;

(c) if so, the main features thereof and the implications involved therein;

(d) the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in the matter;

(f) whether some more States have also raised the demand of autonomy/more powers; (g) if so, the details thereof; (h) whether the Government propose to give more powers to the States; (i) if so, the details thereof; (j) whether the Government propose to convene an all party meeting/C.M.`s conference on the issue of autonomy to States; and (k) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO)

(a) &(b): Yes, Sir.

(c) : The Report of State Autonomy Committee basically speaks of going back to pre-1953 status.

(d) : The Government have not accepted the `resolution` as passed by the J&K Assembly.

(e) : Considering the sensitivity and complexity of the issue, it is not feasible to give a definite time frame.

(f) to (i) : Demand for devolution of more powers to the States was being made from some quarters. Government of India had set up the Sarkaria Commission to go into the entire gamut of issues relating to Centre State relations. The Sarkaria Commission have given their recommendations which were considered by the Inter-State Council. Out of 247 recommendations made by the Commission, the Council has taken a decision on 171 recommendations. These have been sent to the different Ministries for implementation.

(j) & (k) : No such proposal is under consideration for the present.