SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act clearly defines the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government, while acknowledging that minor confusion exists between Raj Bhavan and the administration. He said the matter will be resolved through formal communication.
He also said the nomination of five Assembly members has been kept on hold due to a pending court case.
In an interview to a national news channel, LG Sinha clarified his constitutional role and addressed concerns about interference in governance, stating that he holds no charge of developmental departments in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I want to make it absolutely clear, and I say this with full responsibility: apart from law and order, police, and policy matters, I do not have charge of any other department,” LG Sinha said.
“All departments related to development—be it finance, education, health, power, or agriculture—are under the government’s purview. There is no obstruction from my side. Any proposal that serves public interest and is brought by the government, I approve it.”
On the issue of governance powers (Business Rules), LG Sinha said, “The State Reorganisation Act clearly defines the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government, including the Chief Minister. Any minor confusion that exists is being addressed through formal communication between the government and Raj Bhavan. I believe this clarity will emerge soon.”
When asked about the delay in nominating five members to the Legislative Assembly under the Reorganisation Act, amended in 2023, LG Sinha said the matter has been kept on hold due to ongoing litigation.
“Some political parties have moved the court claiming that this power lies with the elected government, not the LG. I decided not to proceed amidst the legal dispute. Once the court gives its ruling, we will move ahead with the nominations,” he said. (JKNS)
