JKNS DESK
Srinagar, Sept 27 (JKNS): The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is scheduled to take up a wide-ranging agenda on Monday, September 28, including discussion on the resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 25, introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, and several matters of urgent public importance.
According to the List of Business issued by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, a copy of which the with news agency JKNS stated that, sitting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, with questions listed first, followed by five calling-attention motions concerning issues raised from different constituencies.
Congress MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) is scheduled to draw the attention of the Deputy Chief Minister, who is Minister Incharge Public Works, towards the delay in commencement of construction work on the Jawdara-Barni Road.
BJP MLA Shagun Parihar will raise the issue of scarcity of drinking water in Kishtwar town and the Tunder area of Dachan before the Minister Incharge Jal Shakti.
Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah is scheduled to raise before Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his capacity as Revenue Minister, the damage caused by the severe hailstorm during the intervening night of September 11 and 12 in several villages of the Gulmarg constituency.
The affected areas listed in the Assembly agenda include Haibilgam, Devbugh, Hardubani, Katibugh, Check-Charitram, Nangerpora, Kreshama, Yaal, Bewah, Mangalore, Mughama and Rawanpora.
The motion states that the hailstorm caused extensive damage to apple orchards and other fruit crops, maize, paddy/rice and other standing crops, resulting in financial losses to families dependent on agriculture and horticulture.
Dr Sajad Shafi is scheduled to raise the issue of alleged administrative delays, non-processing and rejection of ST certificates to eligible applicants under the Pahari Ethnic Group category in Uri constituency, with the matter to be taken up with the Chief Minister as Minister Incharge Revenue.
Meanwhile, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal will raise the issue of an alleged severe outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease among cattle in Ramgarh constituency of Samba district. The motion refers to cattle deaths and losses to dairy farmers and seeks measures including vaccination, deployment of veterinary teams, medicines and compensation.
Ease Of Doing Business Bill On Agenda
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as Minister Incharge Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, is scheduled to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026, listed as L.A. Bill No. 11 of 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to replace permission-based control with rule-based governance and provide a framework aimed at enabling citizens and enterprises to plan, invest and operate with greater regulatory certainty, while promoting Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, employment generation, investment and long-term economic growth.
The Bill, already published in an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette, proposes several changes to the regulatory framework for enterprises.
Among its guiding principles is “Permission by Exception”, under which an enterprise may undertake an activity unless it is expressly prohibited by law. It also provides for a “One State Principle”, under which authorities would not require duplication of information, documents, approvals or processes already available with another government authority.
The legislation also proposes proportionality and risk-based regulation, transparency and predictability in regulatory requirements, and a presumption of grant where an application is not disposed of within the prescribed time.
Under the proposed framework, new enterprises in approved industrial parks would be eligible for an In-Principle Approval within three working days after submission of the required Declaration of Intent.
For new enterprises outside approved industrial parks, the District Empowered Committee would take a decision within 30 working days, while the period for existing enterprises would be up to 45 working days. If a decision is not taken within the stipulated period, the approval would be deemed to have been issued.
The Bill further proposes a three-year moratorium on inspections and coercive action concerning approvals for registered enterprises, subject to specified conditions. Serious complaints, however, could trigger inspection with the prescribed approval and recorded reasons.
The proposed framework also provides for inspection where an enterprise has submitted false information, violated construction or other applicable rules, or failed to comply with minimum fire-safety standards. In specified circumstances, the District Empowered Committee could revoke an In-Principle Approval, order demolition of unauthorised construction, or allow regularisation subject to penalties and compliance measures.
Council And District-Level Committees
The Bill proposes constitution of a Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Council, headed by the Chief Minister, with the Chief Secretary and ministers handling various departments as members.
It also provides for an Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary for day-to-day implementation of the proposed law.
At the district level, District Empowered Committees would be headed by the Deputy Commissioner and include representatives from administration, police, municipal bodies, development authorities, forests, mining, fire and emergency services, Jal Shakti, labour, pollution control and other departments.
The committees would facilitate the filing of declarations and issuance of In-Principle Approvals and could review certain district-level decisions where applications are rejected or approvals are not provided within prescribed timelines.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons accompanying the Bill says the legislation has been prepared in the context of efforts to reduce compliance burdens through simpler and faster regulatory processes, digitalisation, decriminalisation of minor offences and removal of redundant legal provisions. It states that 20 of 23 identified Phase-I priority reforms had been implemented in J&K.
Discussion On Chief Minister’s Resolution
The Assembly is also scheduled to continue discussion on the resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on September 25.
The List of Business places the resolution after introduction of the Ease of Doing Business Bill and before the private members’ business.
33 Private Members’ Bills Listed
As many as 33 Private Members’ Bills have been listed for introduction.
The proposed Bills cover a wide range of subjects, including prohibition of online gaming and fantasy leagues, prevention and rehabilitation relating to substance abuse, electricity-dues waiver for AAY, PHH and BPL consumers, district-cadre reservation, healthcare staffing in remote areas, solid-waste management, disaster compensation, government employees’ transfers and employment opportunities for educated youth.
Other proposals include a Gurez Development Authority, amendments to the Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act, regulation of government transfers, amendments to the Reservation Act, protection of long-term temporary workers and amendments relating to water resources.
A Private Members’ Bill moved by Saif-ud-Din Bhat seeks a framework for registration, recognition, accreditation and functioning of digital news publishers and social-media news channels in J&K, including provisions concerning transparency of ownership, editorial responsibility, media monitoring, fact-checking, access to official information, accreditation and grievance redressal.
Two Private Members’ Bills For Consideration And Passing
The Assembly has also listed two Private Members’ Bills for consideration and passing.
Tanvir Sadiq is scheduled to move consideration of a Bill seeking restoration of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Act, 1960 and associated rules to their original form prior to the 2022 Land Grant Rules, while also seeking protection of existing leases and occupants.
Sajad Shaheen is scheduled to move consideration of a Bill providing for establishment of a university campus at Banihal in Ramban district, with the stated objectives of promoting higher education, research and socio-economic development in the region. (JKNS)
