Nine Private Member Bills Introduced in Jammu Kashmir Assembly, Six Withdrawn, Two Rejected by Voice Vote | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Nine Private Member Bills were introduced in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, of which six were withdrawn by legislators after assurances from the government, while two were rejected through voice voting following discussion in the House.

Legislator Qaysar Jamshaid Lone introduced a bill seeking amendment to the Cooperative Societies Act, 1989, aimed at reforming cooperative governance.

Legislator Mir Saifullah moved a bill proposing mandatory reservation for children of Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana families in private agricultural, paramedical, law colleges, and skill development institutions.

Another bill was introduced by MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat seeking equitable representation in civil services, taking into account the region’s socio-economic, geographical, ethnic and linguistic diversity.

Legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani moved a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees Act, 1969, proposing regulated permission for felling walnut trees while ensuring environmental safeguards.

MLA Mubarik Gul introduced a bill regarding salaries, allowances and benefits of the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly.

Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri introduced a bill seeking restoration and protection of the River Jhelum through strict anti-pollution measures and improved waste management systems.

Following deliberations, six of the Private Member Bills were withdrawn by the respective legislators after the government assured that existing legal and regulatory mechanisms were already addressing the issues raised.

Meanwhile, two bills were rejected after voice voting in the House. These included a proposal by MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para seeking establishment of a residential and technical university in Jammu and Kashmir using surplus funds of a private educational foundation.

Another bill moved by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, which sought protection of temples and retrieval of allegedly encroached land, was also rejected by the House through voice vote after discussion.

Additionally, MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta introduced a bill proposing compassionate appointments for next of kin of government employees, security personnel, and civilians killed in militancy or enemy action.

The proceedings reflected active legislative engagement on issues related to education, environment, civil services, social welfare, and religious property protection, with several proposals either withdrawn or declined following government responses in the House.