The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed the presentation of eight Private Members' Bills during its third session on Tuesday. Six of these were voluntarily withdrawn by ruling coalition members after discussions with the government. The bills covered various issues including drug abuse prevention, establishment of a Lokayukta, employee regularisation, land ownership for residents on public land, and vocational education. Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to the proposals, explaining existing frameworks and upcoming government initiatives. One bill from the Peoples Democratic Party could not be taken up due to insufficient numbers, while a proposal from the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding compulsory vocational education was rejected through a voice vote. The National Conference's majority in the House played a decisive role in the outcomes. All withdrawn bills came from Treasury benches including National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Congress legislators.
Bills Withdrawn After Government Assurances
National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq presented a bill on drug abuse prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed that the government plans its own legislation on this matter, leading to withdrawal. CPI(M) legislator M Y Tarigami proposed establishing a Lokayukta in the Union Territory. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that such a proposal cannot be implemented in a UT, stating existing frameworks and national laws address corruption adequately. NC MLA Mir Saifullah's bill sought protection for contractual employees, casual labourers, and daily wagers. Abdullah mentioned a committee under the chief secretary is determining the exact number of such workers before legislation. Congress and NC legislators also withdrew their bills after similar exchanges.
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