Rent Authority Bill, legislators’ pay hike on J&K Assembly agenda today

Srinagar, Oct 26: After a three-day break, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to resume its proceedings on Monday with a packed agenda featuring key legislative business, including the introduction of The Jammu and Kashmir Rent Authority Bill, 2025, by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the presentation of the House Committee report on the revision of salaries and pensionary benefits for legislators.

The ongoing session, which began on Thursday with obituary references, will reconvene at 10 am, according to the business list issued by the Assembly Secretariat.

The day’s proceedings will open with the Question Hour, followed by the announcement of the Panel of Chairmen by the Speaker.

The Assembly is scheduled to take up five Calling Attention Notices concerning matters of urgent public importance raised by members from different constituencies.

NC MLA Kupwara, Mir Saifullah, will draw attention to the non-availability of food grains and ration in the far-flung areas of Keran and Jumgand, which remain cut off during winters due to heavy snowfall.

Congress MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, will raise concern over the spread of Hepatitis A and other waterborne diseases in Arin Block of Bandipora, describing it as a major health risk for residents.

NC MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, is expected to seek government action on the losses suffered by fruit growers due to the recent blockade on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and the delay in compensation.

NC MLA Lolab, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, will highlight the acute shortage of potable drinking water in Lolab constituency, urging immediate intervention from the Jal Shakti Department.

BJP MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, will call the attention of the Chief Minister, who also holds the Housing and Urban Development portfolio, to the illegal dumping of garbage by Udhampur Municipality at Village Mand along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which has led to environmental degradation and health hazards for nearby residents.

The House will also witness the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the House Committee, Surjeet Singh Slathia, recommending revisions in the salary and allowances of MLAs and improved pensionary benefits for former legislators.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will introduce The Jammu and Kashmir Rent Authority Bill, 2025 (LA Bill No. 4 of 2025), which seeks to establish a Rent Authority to regulate tenancy, safeguard the rights of landlords and tenants, and ensure the timely settlement of disputes through a formal adjudicatory mechanism.

Monday’s session is expected to generate extensive debate as members take up these critical issues that hold significant legislative and public importance.