Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday introduced four bills in the Legislative Assembly, covering tenancy reforms, Panchayati Raj amendments, labour welfare, and cooperative sector efficiency.
The first, The Jammu and Kashmir Tenancy Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 4 of 2025), seeks to establish a Rent Authority in the Union Territory. The Bill aims to regulate the renting of premises, balance the rights of landlords and tenants, and provide a mechanism for speedy adjudication of tenancy-related disputes.
The second, The Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 5 of 2025), was moved by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar. It proposes to strengthen the Panchayati Raj framework under the 1989 Act and increase the upper age limit of the State Election Commissioner from 65 to 70 years, bringing J&K in line with states such as Uttar Pradesh.
The third, The Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Establishments (Licensing, Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 6 of 2025), was introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary. The Bill seeks to remove restrictions on women working during night hours, lift limits on shop operating timings, and introduce new welfare measures for workers in commercial establishments across the UT.
The fourth, The Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 7 of 2025), was introduced by Minister for Cooperatives Javid Ahmad Dar. It proposes to empower the Special Tribunal constituted under the J&K Special Tribunal Act, 1988, to also function as a Cooperative Appellate Tribunal, aimed at enhancing efficiency and resolving long-pending disputes in the cooperative sector.(KNS).
