WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: The third day of the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session on Tuesday witnessed the introduction of eight Private Members’ Bills, touching upon crucial public issues including drug de-addiction, corruption prevention, regularization of daily wagers, land ownership rights, human rights protection, fire victim relief, vocational education, and welfare of artisans.
While most bills were withdrawn after government assurances, two bills—moved by Waheed ur Rehman Para and Balwant Singh Mankotia—were tabled but eventually rejected by the Assembly.
The first bill, introduced by Tanvir Sadiq, sought to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate victims of drug abuse by establishing addiction treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers across Jammu and Kashmir.
Officially titled “A Bill to Provide for Prevention, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Addressing the Drug Abuse Crisis and Establishment of Addiction Treatment Facilities” (L.A Private Members’ Bill No. 2 of 2025), the proposal emphasized community involvement in tackling the growing menace of substance abuse. After discussion, the bill was withdrawn following government assurance that a comprehensive anti-drug policy was being implemented.
M.Y. Tarigami moved for leave to introduce “A Bill to Establish Lokayukta in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir” (Bill No. 3 of 2025).
The objective of this legislation was to inquire into allegations of corruption against public servants and ensure administrative transparency. The government assured that steps were being taken to strengthen the existing anti-corruption mechanisms, prompting the member to withdraw the bill.
Mir Saifullah introduced “A Bill to Provide for Protection and Regularization of Services of Employees Working on Contractual Basis, Casual Labourers and Daily Wagers” (Bill No. 4 of 2025).
The bill sought to safeguard the livelihood of daily wagers and contractual workers in various government departments by ensuring job security, timely wages, and regularization. The minister concerned assured that the issue was under active consideration, leading to the bill’s withdrawal.
One of the most debated proposals of the day came from Waheed ur Rehman Para, who sought to introduce “A Bill to Provide for Recognition of Proprietary Rights of Houses Constructed on State Land, Kacharia Land, Common Land, and Shamilat Land” (Bill No. 7 of 2025).
The bill aimed to secure ownership or transfer rights for residents who have long been living on such lands, under the guarantee of the right to shelter (Article 21 of the Constitution of India). Para’s bill intended to regularize possession and prevent future eviction drives against such occupants.
However, during voting, only MLA Fayaz Mir and the MLA from Langate supported the bill, while the majority opposed it. Consequently, the bill was rejected by the Assembly.
Nizam-ud-Din Bhat introduced “A Bill to Provide for Establishment of Legislative Forum for Monitoring and Protection of Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir” (Bill No. 10 of 2025).
The bill proposed creating a dedicated Legislative Forum to oversee and report on human rights violations and ensure accountability. The government stated that a Human Rights Commission framework already existed, following which the bill was withdrawn.
Altaf Ahmad Wani moved “A Bill to Provide for Immediate Financial Relief to Fire Victims for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation through District Administration” (Bill No. 12 of 2025).
The legislation proposed a special relief fund to ensure swift compensation to families and businesses affected by fire incidents, especially in rural areas. The government responded positively, assuring that fire relief mechanisms were being strengthened, leading to the withdrawal of the bill.
Balwant Singh Mankotia introduced “A Bill to Provide for Compulsory Vocational and Skilled Education in Jammu and Kashmir” (Bill No. 14 of 2025).
This bill sought to make vocational and skill-based education mandatory at the school and college levels, aiming to enhance employability among youth and reduce unemployment. Despite receiving support from his own party members, the bill was rejected by the House due to lack of majority.
Mubarik Gul moved “A Bill to Provide for Social Security and Welfare of Artisans” (Bill No. 17 of 2025).
The bill proposed the establishment of welfare schemes, pension plans, and insurance cover for traditional artisans of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those in the handicrafts sector. The government promised to review artisan welfare measures, after which the bill was withdrawn.
Later, the Speaker of the House announced that rest of the 33 bills will be taken up during Budget session next year in March.
