SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed all departments to submit money bills at least 21 days in advance for necessary approvals from the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat ahead of the upcoming budget session.
The Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs has issued instructions requiring departments to ensure that money bills requiring the Lieutenant Governor’s recommendation under Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, are submitted well in advance.
“For proposals requiring the Lieutenant Governor’s recommendation under Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, departments must submit them at least 21 days in advance for necessary approvals,” reads a circular issued by the department.
As per the Act, any bill or amendment related to taxation, government financial obligations, or appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Fund can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly with prior approval from the Lieutenant Governor.
The department has emphasised the timely submission and legal vetting of legislative proposals before their introduction in the Assembly. “To ensure thorough examination, departments must refer all bills and other legislative matters to the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs well in advance,” the directive states.
Additionally, departments have been instructed to adhere to the Transaction of Business of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, which outline procedures for the introduction of bills. Part-C of these rules specifies the process for initiating legislative proposals.
The circular also reminds departments that certain Acts require rules and notifications issued under them to be presented before the Legislative Assembly. “Departments responsible for such laws must ensure these rules and notifications are laid before the House during the Budget Session to comply with legal requirements,” it added.
Furthermore, the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs has instructed financial commissioners (additional chief secretaries), principal secretaries, commissioners, and secretaries to strictly follow the prescribed procedures while handling legislative matters and responding to Assembly questions.
“Administrative secretaries and heads of departments must also be present in the House when matters concerning their departments are discussed,” the department directed.
