21 Minor Offences Set to Be Decriminalised; Proposed Water Law to Address Proprietary Rights Over Certain Khuds; 36 JKAS Officers Promoted
JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 23 :
The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved a series of significant legislative, regulatory and administrative measures, including the J&K Jan Vishwas Third Amendment of Provisions Bill, 2026, the J&K Water Resources and Management Regulation Bill, 2026, and the J&K Residential Land Lease Rules, 2026.
The decisions were taken during the 12th meeting of the Council of Ministers in Srinagar as the Government advances its legislative and governance agenda during the ongoing autumn session of the J&K Legislature. The Cabinet decisions were reported on September 23.
21 Minor Offences Proposed for Decriminalisation
One of the key decisions concerns the Jan Vishwas Third Amendment of Provisions Bill, 2026, through which the Government proposes to decriminalise 21 additional minor offences.
Under the proposed framework, certain violations currently carrying imprisonment or criminal penalties would instead attract monetary penalties. Such penalties would be imposed by designated Adjudicating Officers, with an appellate mechanism before a senior authority.
The proposed reform is aimed at reducing the need for individuals and small businesses to approach courts over relatively minor regulatory violations. The measure is particularly relevant to small traders, shopkeepers and rehriwalas, among others.
Water Resources Bill to Address Rights Over Certain Khuds
The Cabinet also cleared the J&K Water Resources and Management Regulation Bill, 2026, which proposes amendments to the existing J&K Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act, 2010.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a framework for granting proprietary rights over certain khuds in cases where there has been no actual flow of water for the prescribed period, subject to conditions and safeguards contained in the proposed law.
The existing 2010 legislation provides a comprehensive regulatory framework covering water sources, water courses, irrigation works and related water-resource management.
The proposed Bill is expected to be placed before the Legislature during the ongoing autumn session, subject to completion of the required constitutional process and approval of the Lieutenant Governor.
Residential Land Lease Rules Receive Cabinet Nod
In another significant decision, the Cabinet approved the J&K Residential Land Lease Rules, 2026.
The move expands the land-lease framework to residential properties, whereas the earlier rules introduced in 2022 were primarily confined to commercial properties.
The new framework is intended to provide a regulatory mechanism for residential land leases and will come into force subject to the applicable approval and notification process.
36 JKAS Officers Promoted
The Cabinet also approved the promotion of 36 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) across three different scales.
The approved promotions include:11 officers to the Special Time Scale;.12 officers to another Special Time Scale category; and.13 officers to the Selection Grade.
The decision forms part of the Government’s continuing administrative restructuring and career progression measures for its civil service officers.
Broader Legislative Reform Agenda
The latest Cabinet decisions come amid a wider legislative reform exercise being pursued by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Several other proposed legislative measures concerning GST, municipal governance and Ease of Doing Business have also been taken up for consideration by the Legislature.
The proposed GST changes seek greater alignment between the Central GST framework and the J&K GST regime. Amendments concerning municipal laws deal with matters related to the composition of municipal bodies and powers connected with the electoral process.
The proposed Ease of Doing Business reforms seek to simplify regulatory procedures for businesses by reducing unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), promoting self-certification and limiting duplication in licences and approvals.
Government Bills Likely to Come Up During Autumn Session
The newly approved Jan Vishwas and Water Resources and Management Bills are expected to be introduced during the ongoing autumn session, subject to the requisite approval process.
According to the reported Cabinet decisions, September 29 and 30 have been earmarked in the Assembly calendar for Government business.
The latest Cabinet decisions cover a wide range of areas, including decriminalisation of minor regulatory offences, water-resource governance, residential land leasing and civil-service promotions, reflecting the Government’s continuing legislative and administrative reform programme in Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)