Return of NHPC power projects among 14 private member resolutions to be taken up in Assembly
Srinagar, Feb 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to take up a wide-ranging private membersí agenda during the second leg of its Budget Session, with 14 resolutions formally listed for consideration, including a proposal seeking the phased return of hydroelectric power projects presently operated by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to J&K government.
According to the Assembly Secretariat's official bulletin, the resolutions were selected by ballot.
They will be discussed during private membersí business on March 31 and April 2, after the session resumes on March 27.
Among the resolutions scheduled for April 2 is the proposal moved by National Conference legislator Sajad Shaheen, which urges the Government of India to consider, in consultation with the J&K government and other stakeholders, a phased and mutually agreed transfer of operational control and or ownership rights of running hydroelectric power projects operated by NHPC within Jammu and Kashmir.
"This House resolves to recommend that the Government of India may be urged to consider, in consultation with the J&K government and other stakeholders, a phased and mutually agreed transfer of operational control and or ownership rights of the running hydroelectric power projects presently operated by NHPC within Jammu and Kashmir to J&K government, in accordance with constitutional provisions, existing laws and inter-governmental arrangements," the resolution said.
The demand to reclaim power projects has remained a long-standing issue in Jammu and Kashmir.
The resolution seeks to place the Assemblyís recommendation on record, adding political weight to calls for greater local control over natural resources.
The private membersí business on March 31 will include seven resolutions.
MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan has moved a proposal linking promotions in the Education and Health departments with a minimum of two yearsí service in far-flung areas.
MLA Pampore Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi has sought regularisation of State and Shamilat land used by registered private and government educational institutions, with permission for such institutions to continue functioning from their present premises during the process.
Environmental concerns feature prominently, with MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul urging the establishment of a dedicated lakes, water bodies, and waterways development authority, on the pattern of the Manasbal Lake Development Authority, to protect and restore Khushal Sar, Gilsar, Shallabugh, and other water bodies.
MLA Sajad Shaheen has also moved a separate resolution seeking expeditious regularisation of long-standing residential colonies in Jammu district, where residents have been living for four to five decades.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat has called for a uniform, full-fledged healthcare system across all districts of J&K, while BJP legislator Sunil Bhardwaj has sought the upgradation of Ramnagar tehsil into a full-fledged district.
Another resolution by MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig proposes recommending Baramulla town for declaration as a heritage town under suitable central schemes to conserve its historical character and promote tourism.
Seven more resolutions are listed for April 2. BJP MLA Narinder Singh Raina has urged the establishment of a Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in the Jammu region under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Independent MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan has called for the strict implementation of the Panchayati Raj Rules, 1996, to ensure that development works up to Rs 3 lakh are executed directly through Halqa Panchayats instead of contractors.
PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has moved a resolution seeking mandatory use of the Kashmiri language in official communications, signboards, and school education up to Class XII in Kashmiri-speaking areas.
MLA Habba Kadal Shamim Firdous has pressed for a blanket ban on polythene and allied products to curb environmental degradation.
Apart from the NHPC proposal, NC legislator Salman Ali Sagar has sought de-notification of the Phaak area and Rural Block Harwan from the Srinagar Master Plan, while Javid Hassan Baig has moved another resolution seeking Priority One status for disaster management, with special focus on earthquake preparedness and mitigation.
With all 14 private member resolutions now formally listed, the second leg of the Budget Session is expected to witness detailed debate on power sector issues, governance reforms, environmental protection, and regional development across J&K.
