JAMMU AND KASHMIR TO SEE FORMATION OF RULES FOR EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

JAMMU, Nov 24: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to release 'Business Rules' soon for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which will define powers of key officials such as Cabinet members, Administrative Secretaries, and the Chief Minister. This comes after a period of consultation with relevant stakeholders.

According to sources, the Government has already drafted these 'Business Rules', which they have forwarded to the MHA. However, as the Union Home Minister Amit Shah is currently busy with the elections in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, it is expected that the Rules are issued soon.

The powers of the Lieutenant Governor, General Administration Department officers, District Development Commissioners, and Administrative Secretaries are set to be formally defined by these 'Business Rules', offering clarity for various administrative functions. The rules also clarify transfers and recruitment within the Government.

A Committee will need to be formed in the Assembly to frame its own rules. Speaker Abdul Raheem Rather or at least a member of the House may head this committee, comprising representatives from almost all parties present in the Legislative Assembly. As these Rules are still being formulated, it is anticipated that the budget session scheduled to occur early next year will function according to prior existing regulations.

The release of Business Rules will provide both clarity for administrative and legislative procedures within Jammu and Kashmir, officials say. The process currently begins preparing meetings through government departments ahead of presenting a proposed budget in January-February, which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to deliver upon unless the Council of Ministry is updated with extra new members to fill those available positions.

As news of impending policy reforms in JK spreads, one wishes that authorities involved can make them more effective and sustainable over time.