Govt issues circular on legislative proposals ahead of Budget Session

Srinagar, Jan 7: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a circular directing all departments to submit draft Bills and legislative proposals well in advance of the forthcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2.

The circular has been issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and signed by Secretary to Government Achal Sethi. It underlines the need for adequate time to examine legislative proposals intended to be introduced during the Budget Session.

The communication states that a reasonable time is required by the department to carry out legal vetting of draft Bills and other legislative proposals. Departments have been asked to ensure that all such proposals are referred to the Law Department well before the commencement of the Budget Session to facilitate proper scrutiny.

The circular also draws the attention of departments to Part-C of the Transaction of the Business of the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, which lays down the procedure for initiating legislation and mandates consultation with the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

Referring to rule-making powers under various Acts, the circular notes that in several cases, rules and notifications issued under these laws are required to be laid before the Legislative Assembly. Departments have been instructed to ensure that any such rules or notifications issued under the Acts administered by them are placed before the House during the ensuing Budget Session to meet statutory requirements.

The circular further states that proposals requiring the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir under Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 must be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat well in advance.

Emphasising procedural discipline, the government has directed that the procedure for dealing with questions and other legislative business must be strictly observed. It has also asked Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments to remain present in the House whenever matters relating to their respective departments are taken up for discussion.

The circular has been circulated to all Financial Commissioners, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners and Secretaries to ensure compliance with prescribed legislative procedures ahead of the Budget Session.