SRINAGAR: A series of Private Members’ Bills were withdrawn in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday after the Government assured legislators that their concerns would be addressed.
Member Ajaz Ahmad Jan moved a bill seeking amendments to the Public Men and Public Servants Declaration of Assets and Other Provisions Act, 1983, which was later withdrawn following assurances from the Government.
Similarly, MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania withdrew his bill proposing amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011. Another bill moved by Dr. Rameshwar Singh proposing changes to the Civil Services (Decentralization and Recruitment) Act, 2010 was also withdrawn after the Government’s response.
MLA Arjun Singh Raju had introduced a bill related to the management and governance of Kashmiri Hindu shrines and religious places, which was subsequently withdrawn after assurances.
Responding to the discussions, the Chief Minister assured the House that all issues raised by members would be considered, following which the bills were withdrawn.
Health-related legislative proposals were also taken up, including a bill moved by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat (Larmi) seeking a ban on private practice by government doctors. Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo informed the House that private practice during duty hours is already prohibited and that medical staff remains available round-the-clock in government health institutions.
Another bill by MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah proposing a ban on import of frozen and chilled food items was also discussed. The minister stated that food safety measures are already in place, with functioning testing laboratories and upgraded inspection systems.
Further, bills related to unemployment allowance and social security for unemployed youth and technocrats were also taken up, including proposals by MLAs Mir Saifullah and Mubarak Gul. A separate bill regarding compassionate appointments for families affected by militancy was also discussed.
MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia and Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri pressed their respective bills for introduction, including proposals on evacuee property rights and amendments to the Reservation Act, 2004.
However, both bills were rejected by voice vote in the House.
