Jammu, Mar 30: A total of 33 Private Members’ Bills have been listed for consideration in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, covering a wide legislative spectrum ranging from prohibition on liquor and regulation of doctors’ private practice to land reforms, youth welfare, and protection of religious institutions.
According to the details, among the major proposals, six separate bills have been introduced seeking a ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in the Union Territory.
These include proposals for complete prohibition across Jammu and Kashmir, as well as region-specific restrictions such as in the Kashmir Valley and Lal Chowk constituency. Another bill proposes amendments to the existing Excise law to enforce prohibition.
A significant bill has also been listed seeking a ban on private practice by government doctors, aimed at strengthening public healthcare delivery and ensuring full-time availability of medical professionals in government institutions.
Land-related legislations form a crucial part of the agenda. A bill proposes restoration of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Act, 1960, along with its original provisions prior to the 2022 amendments, to safeguard the rights of existing leaseholders and ensure public land serves local interests. Another bill focuses on granting ownership rights to long-term occupants of state land, regularisation of tourism-related land, and ensuring transparency in land ownership transfers.
The Assembly will also take up a bill aimed at better management, protection, and governance of Kashmiri Hindu shrines and religious places in the Union Territory, highlighting concerns related to preservation of religious heritage.
In addition, two bills have been introduced addressing food safety concerns—one seeking a ban on import of frozen and chilled food items from outside Jammu and Kashmir to protect local industry and public health, and another proposing strict action against sale of unhygienic, rotten, or unsafe meat.
Employment and social welfare have also found place in the legislative agenda. Bills seeking regularisation of casual and daily-rated workers, as well as provisions for social security and allowances for unemployed youth, have been listed for discussion.
Another proposal calls for compassionate appointments to the next of kin of deceased government employees, security personnel, and civilians affected by terrorism or enemy action.
The Legislative Assembly Secretariat has so far accepted 72 Private Members’ Bills, with March 30 and April 1 earmarked for their consideration. While 33 bills are listed today, the remaining are expected to be taken up on the next scheduled day, depending on the time available for discussion. (KNC)
