J&K Budget Session 2026: MLAs Withdraw Multiple Private Members’ Bills Following Government Assurances
JAMMU, April 1, 2026 — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a series of significant legislative developments today during the ongoing Budget Session, as several members withdrew their Private Members’ Bills following concrete assurances from the government.
Among those who moved and subsequently withdrew their legislation were Ajaz Ahmad Jan, who proposed amendments to the Public Men and Public Servants Declaration of Assets Act, and Ranbir Singh Pathania, who sought to amend the J&K Public Services Guarantee Act. Similarly, Dr. Rameshwar Singh and Arjun Singh Raju withdrew bills concerning civil service decentralization and the management of Kashmiri Hindu shrines, respectively, after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the House that the concerns raised by the legislators would be addressed through administrative action.
The session also saw detailed deliberations on public health and food safety. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo responded to a bill moved by Abdul Majeed Bhat seeking a ban on private practice by government doctors, clarifying that a strict ban is already in place during duty hours to ensure the full-time availability of medical professionals.
Addressing another bill by Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah regarding a ban on imported frozen foods, the Minister highlighted that the Food Safety Department has intensified quality checks and upgraded laboratory machinery to safeguard public health rather than imposing an outright trade ban.
Other bills related to unemployment allowances for youth and technocrats, moved by Mir Saifullah and Mubarik Gul, as well as a bill on compassionate appointments by Pawan Kumar Gupta, were also withdrawn following satisfactory government replies.
However, the day concluded with the rejection of two specific legislative proposals. A bill moved by Balwant Singh Mankotia, which sought to vest ownership rights of evacuee property to occupants, and another by Dr. Syed Bashir Ahmad Veeri seeking to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, were both put to a vote.
Despite the members pressing for their introduction, both bills were ultimately rejected by the House through a voice vote, marking a definitive end to those specific legislative bids for the current session.