J&K Assembly Budget Session 2026: Legislators Raise Urgent Public Demands During High-Stakes Zero Hour
JAMMU, April 04, 2026 — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a proactive Zero Hour today as lawmakers from across the political spectrum raised a diverse array of localized and systemic issues, demanding immediate governmental intervention.
Significant concerns were voiced regarding agricultural bottlenecks, with MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir highlighting the distress of South Kashmir farmers facing fuel shortages due to restrictions on loose petrol sales, while MLA Javaid Riyaz Bedar urged for the urgent repair of irrigation lift pumps and consistent power supply to prevent crop failure.
On the administrative front, MLA Rajiv Jasrotia pressed for the bifurcation of ration cards to ensure welfare benefits reach deserving citizens, and MLA Khurshid Ahmad advocated for district status for Gool Gulabgarh.
Meanwhile, the plight of job aspirants was brought to the fore by MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, who sought the implementation of judicial directions from the High Court and CAT regarding pending appointments in the J&K Services Selection Board.Resource management and infrastructure also dominated the proceedings.
MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami drew attention to LPG shortages and the need for e-KYC flexibility, while MLA Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir warned of potential communal friction over the inequitable distribution of irrigation water between Pulwama and Budgam.
Concerns regarding land and commerce were equally prominent; MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) demanded the release of long-pending rent for land occupied by defense forces, and MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan alleged black marketing of building materials following the closure of local crusher plants.
Furthermore, MLA Sajad Gani Lone called for transparency regarding government commercial leases, and MLA Zafar Ali Khatana sought travel exemptions for tribal communities migrating seasonally with their livestock.
The session also addressed essential services and religious observances. MLA Shakti Raj Parihar highlighted the critical need for enhanced medical facilities and ambulances in the accident-prone Doda district, while MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi urged for early administrative planning for the upcoming Muharram observances.
Localized demands included the installation of an ATM at the Wahab Khar Sahib shrine by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the relocation of the Kanipora Sub-division by MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, and the opening of a J&K Bank branch in Bonigam by MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad.
Additionally, MLA Javid Iqbal Choudhary flagged the negative impact of deploying teaching staff for census duties on student education, rounding off a session that underscored the Assembly’s role in channeling grassroots grievances into the legislative spotlight.