Jammu, Mar 12 (NVI): As many as 72 private members’ bills have been submitted by legislators in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, covering a wide range of issues including a ban on liquor and tobacco products, prohibition on private practice by government doctors, regularisation of daily wagers, and rehabilitation of migrants.
According to details, several lawmakers, including members of the ruling National Conference (NC), have moved bills seeking prohibition of alcohol and tobacco across the Union Territory.
NC MLA and former minister Ali Mohammad Sagar has proposed a bill seeking a complete ban on the sale and consumption of liquor across Jammu and Kashmir.
Another NC legislator Ahsan Pardesi has moved a bill seeking prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the Lal Chowk constituency which he represents.
MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has also introduced a bill seeking a complete ban on the sale, consumption, storage and transportation of liquor in the Kashmir Valley. He has additionally proposed legislation to prohibit the manufacture, sale, advertisement and use of cigarettes and tobacco products in Jammu and Kashmir.
PDP MLA and former Member of Parliament Mir Mohammad Fayaz has also submitted a bill seeking to prohibit the advertisement, sale, manufacture and consumption of alcoholic drinks in the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, ruling party MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat has proposed legislation to ban private practice by government doctors, stating that the move would strengthen the public health system and ensure the full-time availability of doctors in government institutions.
Several legislators have also introduced bills seeking the regularisation of daily wagers and temporary workers. Among them are CPM MLA M. Y. Tarigami, PDP MLA Wahid ur Rehman Para, and BJP MLA Devinder Kumar Manyal, who have proposed granting permanent status and job security to daily wagers and casual labourers working in different government departments.
Pampore MLA Hasnain Masoodi has also introduced a private member’s bill concerning red category industries, stating that such industries are highly hazardous and polluting and can adversely impact sectors like horticulture and agriculture. He has proposed reserving employment opportunities for local residents in these industries.
Another proposal by PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi seeks the establishment of a Reintegration Commission to facilitate the safe and dignified return of Kashmiri migrants, particularly Kashmiri Pandits.
The Legislative Assembly has reserved two days for discussion on private members’ bills when the Budget Session resumes on March 27 after a month-long break.(NVI)
