Bill requires LG’s approval as it qualifies as “money bill”
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq has expressed disappointment over bureaucratic hurdles preventing the introduction of his Private Members’ Bill aimed at tackling drug addiction among the youth.
Titled “The Jammu and Kashmir War Against Drug Abuse and Compulsory Teaching of Ill Effects of Drug Addiction in Schools Bill, 2025,” the proposed legislation sought to establish rehabilitation centers and integrate drug prevention education into school curriculums.
However, since the bill involves financial implications, it qualifies as a Money Bill, requiring the approval of the Lieutenant Governor through the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department before being tabled in the Assembly.
Criticizing the limitations of Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory status, Sadiq reiterated his party’s long-standing demand for full Statehood. “This bureaucratic hurdle is yet another reminder of the systemic flaws of the UT model. The fight against drug abuse must not be delayed by procedural obstacles,” he asserted.
While the bill has been removed from the Assembly’s agenda for now, Sadiq pledged to push it forward, ensuring that it reaches Raj Bhawan and is eventually introduced. “This is about protecting our youth and securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir. I will see this through,” he vowed.
The bill proposes the establishment of rehabilitation centers in high-risk areas, compulsory drug education in schools, and the appointment of specialized teachers. It also mandates legal enforcement against drug trafficking and the creation of an Advisory Council for drug prevention.
The implementation of this Act will require government funding for setting up rehabilitation centres, recruiting qualified teachers and conducting awareness campaigns. While the precise financial implications cannot be determined at this stage, necessary appropriations will be made through the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking on the issue, MLA Tanvir Sadiq on X said, “I had intended to introduce a crucial bill—“The Jammu and Kashmir War Against Drug Abuse and Compulsory Teaching of Ill Effects of Drug Addiction in Schools Bill, 2025” (LA Bill – Private Members, Bill No. 2 of 2025).
However, since it involves financial matters and qualifies as a Money Bill, I have been informed that I must seek the advice of the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department and obtain approval from the Lieutenant Governor before proceeding further, MLA Sadiq said.
This bureaucratic hurdle is yet another reminder of the systemic flaws of the Union Territory model—a model we have always opposed while demanding the immediate restoration of full Statehood. As an elected representative, I remain committed to ensuring that this bill reaches Raj Bhawan and is introduced in the Assembly in future because the menace of drug abuse must be tackled with the urgency it deserves, he said.
While this bill is no longer part of the Assembly’s agenda and must be resubmitted, I want to clarify that sharing this information does not violate Rule 368 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly or any direction of the Speaker. This is about protecting our youth and securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir. I will see this through, he said.
