Srinagar, Jan 07 : In a significant move, the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has directed all departments to submit draft bills and other legislative proposals, intended to be introduced in the Assembly during the session and requiring legal vetting, well before the commencement of the session.
In a circular, a copy of which is in possession of the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has instructed departments to submit legislative proposals well before the beginning of the session, stating that reasonable time is required for their proper examination.
In the circular, the Department has cited Part C of the Transaction of Business of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019, which deals with the procedure for initiating legislation and consultation with the Department.
The Department has also asked that rules and notifications, which are to be laid before the Legislative Assembly, shall be placed before the House during the ensuing Assembly session to fulfill legal requirements.
The Department has further directed that legislative proposals requiring the recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor-as per Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019-be submitted well in advance to the LG’s Secretariat.
In the circular, the Department has asked all Financial Commissioners (Additional Chief Secretaries), Principal Secretaries, and Commissioners/Secretaries to ensure that the prescribed procedure for dealing with questions and other legislative business is strictly observed.
The Department has also directed administrative secretaries and heads of departments to remain present in the House whenever issues pertaining to their departments come up for discussion—(KNO)
