J&K Legislators Submit 33 Private Member Bills Covering Lokayukta, Anti-Defection Law, Prohibition, and Social Welfare Reforms
Jammu, Mar 16: A total of 33 private member bills have been submitted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, covering a wide range of critical issues, including the appointment of a Lokayukta, the implementation of the Anti-Defection Law in District Development Councils (DDCs), prohibition on liquor, regularization of daily wagers, amendments in reservation policies, vesting ownership rights of Evacuee Property, and block-level recruitment. These bills will be considered during the single reserved session for private member bills on April 8 in the ongoing budget session.
Senior Communist leader and MLA M.Y. Tarigami has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Lokayukta Bill (Bill No. 3 of 2025), advocating for the appointment of a Lokayukta in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that despite previous efforts, corruption remains a major issue, and a strong accountability institution is necessary to ensure transparency and governance reforms.
“Corruption exists across political and administrative structures. A Lokayukta will bring much-needed accountability at both political and bureaucratic levels,” Tarigami stated.
He also pointed out that while Jammu and Kashmir once had a State Accountability Commission (SAC), it was never revived after its dissolution, leaving a significant gap in anti-corruption mechanisms.
BJP MLA R.S. Pathania has introduced a bill demanding the implementation of the Anti-Defection Law in District Development Councils (DDCs). While the law is already applicable to Parliament, State Assemblies, and Municipalities, DDCs currently lack legal safeguards against political defections. Pathania asserted that such a law is essential to prevent horse-trading and ensure political stability in local governance.
Four legislators, including Ali Mohammad Sagar (NC), Ahsan Pardesi (NC), Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad (Awami Ittehad Party), and Mir Mohammad Fayaz (PDP), have introduced separate bills seeking a ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir. This move aligns with public sentiments in the region and concerns about social and moral well-being.
Additionally, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has proposed a ban on online gaming and fantasy leagues, citing their negative impact on youth and financial well-being.
The issue of daily wagers and contractual employees remains a pressing concern, with PDP’s Waheed ur Rehman Para and NC’s Saifullah Mir (former Law Minister) among those tabling bills for their regularization.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had previously announced that a high-level committee would draft a roadmap for addressing the concerns of daily wagers. He assured the Assembly that next year’s budget might incorporate solutions for their regularization.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Temples and Land Protection Bill, advocating for the restoration of religious lands encroached upon in the Valley.
Additionally, through the Jammu and Kashmir Evacuee Property Bill, he has sought to grant ownership rights to individuals currently residing on such properties.
Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat has introduced a bill proposing block-level recruitment, aimed at enhancing local employment opportunities.
Another BJP legislator has introduced a Youth Skill Training Bill, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) to equip youth with essential job-market skills.
NC MLA Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, calling for changes in the existing reservation policies.
Meanwhile, NC MLA Mubarak Gul has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Social Security to Unemployed Technocrats and Professional Degree Holders Bill, which seeks financial assistance for unemployed youth until they secure jobs.
Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat has also proposed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Forum for Monitoring and Protection of Human Rights, seeking institutional oversight on human rights issues in the region.
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir War Against Drug Abuse and Compulsory Teaching of Ill Effects of Drug Addiction in Schools Bill, advocating for drug awareness programs to be made a part of the school curriculum.
NC MLA Aijaz Jan has introduced the Jammu and Kashmir Public Men and Public Servants Declaration of Assets and Other Provisions (Amendment Bill), aiming to increase transparency among public servants by mandating the declaration of their assets.
The submission of 33 private member bills reflects the diverse and pressing issues that lawmakers seek to address. From corruption and governance reforms to social security, employment, and human rights, the bills demonstrate a wide-ranging legislative agenda.
However, the final list of bills to be discussed and voted upon will only be known on April 8, the designated day for private member bills during the budget session.
The proposed laws, if enacted, could bring significant policy changes in Jammu and Kashmir, addressing key governance challenges and strengthening institutional accountability.
