The uproar continued for the second consecutive day in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. A heated debate and exchange of words between the ruling party and the opposition over the Tenancy, Panchayati Raj, Labor Welfare, and Cooperative Bills led to an unstable atmosphere in the House.
Jammu-Kashmir Assembly: Uproar was witnessed for the second consecutive day in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday. Continuous debate and heated exchanges between the opposition and the ruling party persisted. Several important bills, including those related to Tenancy, Panchayati Raj, Labor Welfare, and Cooperatives, are being attempted to be passed in the House today. The state government aims to bring administrative reforms and improve local-level facilities through these bills.
Government Introduces Four Key Bills
The government has introduced four major bills in the Assembly. The Jammu and Kashmir Tenancy Bill, 2025 aims to establish a Rent Authority that will manage rented premises and protect the rights of landlords and tenants. This bill will help resolve disputes through a fast and effective adjudication system.
The Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes to strengthen the old Panchayati Raj framework and improve the local administrative structure. Its objective is to enhance governance efficiency at the rural level and ensure public participation.
The Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Establishments Bill, 2025 is designed to improve labor laws and working conditions in commercial establishments. It will ensure the protection of employees' rights and adherence to business regulations.
The Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has been introduced to streamline the functioning of Cooperative Societies across the UT and bring transparency to their operations.
State Election Commissioner's Age Limit Increased
Earlier on Wednesday, the government had introduced a bill in the Assembly to increase the maximum age limit for the post of State Election Commissioner (SEC) from 65 to 70 years. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, while presenting the draft of this bill, stated that the tenure of the State Election Commissioner would be five years, and they could hold the post until the age of 70. The bill also states that the State Election Commissioner may resign from the post or be removed according to the procedure mentioned in Section 36B.
Uproar in the House on Wednesday
The uproar in the House on Wednesday began when BJP MLA Shagun Parihar commented during Zero Hour on the neglect of certain areas of Kishtwar. She stated that these areas were being ignored because ‘nationalist Hindus’ reside there. The ruling party objected to this remark and termed it communal. Minister Javid Dar said that such statements cannot be made in the House and should be expunged.
Legislators React
National Conference MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi said that thousands of Muslims have sacrificed for the country and their dignity should not be insulted. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated in the House that Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians in Jammu and Kashmir are also nationalist, just like Hindus. This led to a huge uproar in the House, and amidst the commotion, legislators presented their respective views.
