SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s committee on framing rules has decided to carry out modifications and adaptations to the rules previously applicable to the legislature of the erstwhile state, in order to facilitate business in the Union Territory’s law-making House.
As per sources, the committee, headed by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, met on Tuesday and held detailed discussions on framing the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the House.
After examining the legal provisions governing the framing of business rules, the panel resolved to undertake necessary adaptations and modifications to the old rules for conducting routine business in the House.
A committee member, speaking anonymously, said the existing rules would remain in force but would be updated to reflect the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. “The Reorganisation Act empowers the Speaker to make necessary modifications and adaptations to these rules and standing orders to ensure their effective application,” the member said.
Another committee member, who also preferred anonymity, stated that references to the J&K Constitution, Governor, Legislative Council, and Joint Selection Committee (JSC) would be removed from the old rules. “In the old rules, there are references to the Legislative Council, which no longer exists. Therefore, such references must be deleted,” the member added.
The committee will review a draft proposal detailing the necessary changes to the rules at its next meeting.
“The Assembly staff will present the draft proposal to the committee. We are optimistic that the modifications will be finalised before the commencement of the budget session,” the member said.
The budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly is expected to begin in the first or second week of February. (KNO)
