NAVVNEET DUBEY
JAMMU: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather has taken serious note of the delay in finalisation and implementation of the proposed Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026 and directed the Government to place a clear and definite timeline before the House during the ongoing Session. Issue came up during question hour in response to question on proposed “One Officer-One Vehicle” policy raised by Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma informed House that General Administration Department had constituted committee to examine existing car and vehicle policy and recommend revisions. He said committee had held deliberations and draft Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026 had subsequently been framed. Draft is currently under consideration by department, he said.
Taking note of delay in finalising and implementing policy, Rather directed minister to apprise House during ongoing session of definite timeline for its finalisation and implementation. Speaker stressed need for government to place clear position before House so that members are informed about proposed timeline for giving effect to policy.
As per reply, the department has incurred an expenditure of over 72 lakh on account of POL in three years from 2023. While the department has spent over Rs 12 Crore on repair and maintenance of these vehicles. Also Rs 36.50 lakh has been TA/DA has been disbursed in these three years and from 2022-23 to 2025-26, 698 new vehicles were purchased for various departments.
Proposed policy seeks to rationalise use and management of government vehicles, including consideration of “One Officer-One Vehicle” principle. During discussion, members raised concerns over misuse and excess deployment of vehicles in departments and sought uniform norms for entitlement and usage.
Minister said committee examined existing entitlements, maintenance costs, fuel usage and procurement procedures before drafting new policy. He said objective is to bring transparency, curb wasteful expenditure and ensure optimal utilization of fleet.
He assured House that suggestions made by members would be examined while finalising policy. Draft proposes categorization of officers for entitlement, pooling of vehicles, GPS monitoring and norms for hiring and condemnation of vehicles.
Speaker observed that vehicle management has been long-pending issue flagged in audit reports and public accounts committee, and government should not keep policy pending indefinitely. He directed Transport Minister to ensure timeline is furnished in current session itself. The Speaker emphasised that the Government should provide a clear position before the House so that the Members are duly apprised of the timeline envisaged for giving effect to the policy.
MLA Pathania said “One Officer-One Vehicle” principle should be strictly enforced to prevent multiple vehicles being attached to single officer and to check misuse for private purposes. He demanded annual audit of vehicle fleet and fuel consumption.
Minister said GAD is nodal department finalising policy in consultation with Finance and Transport departments. Once approved, policy will be notified and implemented across UT, he added.
House was informed that total government vehicle fleet runs into thousands, with substantial expenditure on fuel and maintenance, necessitating comprehensive policy framework. Speaker’s direction has put onus on government to expedite finalisation of policy aimed at rationalisation and fiscal discipline.
