Jammu: Several legislators on Wednesday withdrew their private members’ bills in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly after receiving assurances from the government that their concerns would be addressed.
Ajaz Ahmad Jan withdrew his bill seeking amendments to the Public Men and Public Servants’ Declaration of Assets and Other Provisions Act, 1983 (L.A. Private Members’ Bill No. 30 of 2025).
Ranbir Singh Pathania also withdrew his bill proposing amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011 (L.A. Private Members’ Bill No. 32 of 2025).
Dr Rameshwar Singh moved a bill seeking amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Decentralisation and Recruitment) Act, 2010 (L.A. Private Members’ Bill No. 38 of 2025), but later withdrew it after the government assured him that the issues raised would be examined.
Arjun Singh Raju, who had moved a bill for better management, protection and governance of Kashmiri Hindu shrines and religious places in Jammu and Kashmir, also withdrew his proposal after assurances from the government.
Responding to the bills, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the members that their concerns and issues would be addressed, following which the legislators agreed to withdraw their proposals.
Meanwhile, Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) moved a bill seeking a complete prohibition on private practice by government doctors in order to strengthen the public healthcare system.
Replying to the bill, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo said there is already a complete ban on private practice by government doctors during duty hours. She added that senior doctors remain available on call during the night, while junior doctors are present at all health institutions.
Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah moved another bill seeking a complete ban on the import of frozen and chilled food items from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to the proposal, Sakeena Itoo said the government has taken several measures to ensure the quality of imported food items. She said the Food Safety Department is actively monitoring the issue and that testing laboratories are functional, while additional machinery is also being brought into service.
The House also discussed a bill moved by Mir Saifullah seeking employment opportunities and unemployment allowance for unemployed youth.
Another bill moved by Mubarik Gul sought social security measures for unemployed technocrats and professionals in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ranbir Singh Pathania also moved a separate bill seeking amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.
The Assembly further continued discussion on a bill moved by Pawan Kumar Gupta seeking compassionate appointments for the next of kin of deceased government employees, security personnel and civilians affected by militancy or enemy action.
Following assurances from the government, the members later withdrew these bills as well.
However, two private members’ bills were pressed for introduction by Balwant Singh Mankotia and Dr Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri.
Mankotia’s bill sought ownership rights for occupants of evacuee property, while Veeri’s bill proposed amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004.
The two bills were subsequently rejected by the House through a voice vote.
