Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Jan 8 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has issued a circular directing all government departments to submit draft Bills and legislative proposals well in advance of the forthcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence from February 2, 2026.
According to the circular, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Law Department said adequate time is required for proper legal examination and vetting of all proposals intended to be introduced during the Budget Session. Departments have been asked to refer such draft Bills and legislative matters to the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs sufficiently ahead of the session.
The circular also draws the attention of all 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 mandatory consultation with the Law Department.
It further states that in cases where Acts require rules or notifications to be laid before the Legislative Assembly, the concerned departments must ensure that such rules or notifications are tabled during the upcoming Budget Session to meet statutory requirements.
The Law Department has also instructed that proposals requiring the recommendation of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor under Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 must be forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat well in advance.
Additionally, all Financial Commissioners (Additional Chief Secretaries), Principal Secretaries, Commissioners and Secretaries have been directed to strictly adhere to the prescribed procedures for handling Assembly questions and other legislative business. Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments have also been asked to remain present in the House whenever matters related to their respective departments are taken up for discussion. (KNC)