J&K L-G gives assent to three bills passed by Assembly

IANS April 7, 2025 139 views

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly saw significant legislative activity with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha approving three important bills. A controversial debate erupted over the Waqf Amendment Act, with National Conference MLAs and opposition parties demanding discussion. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected the adjournment motion, citing the matter as sub judice. Mehbooba Mufti strongly criticized the government's approach, alleging capitulation to BJP's agenda.

"It's profoundly disappointing that the speaker J&K Assembly has rejected the motion on the Waqf Bill" - Mehbooba Mufti
Jammu, April 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was informed on Monday that Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha has given assent to three bills passed by the House earlier.

Key Points

1

Lt Governor approves three legislative bills in Jammu and Kashmir

2

Assembly witnesses heated debate over Waqf Amendment Act

3

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejects adjournment motion

4

Mehbooba Mufti criticizes government's stance

Manoj Kumar Pandit, secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, informed the House that three Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly were assented to by the Lt Governor on March 25.

The Secretary read out in the House: “Three Bills, passed by the Legislative Assembly, have been assented to by the Lieutenant Governor on the 25th of March, 2025. The Bills include The Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 1 of 2025), The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 2 of 2025) and The Jammu and Kashmir Appropriation Bill, 2025 (L.A. Bill No. 3 of 2025).”

The House resumed question hour after ruckus marred the proceedings in the morning, forcing Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.

National Conference MLAs Nazir Gurezi and Tanvir Sadiq demanded that the question hour be deferred to allow a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act.

The demand was supported by Congress, PDP and some other members, while the BJP opposed the move.

The Speaker ruled that since the matter is sub judice, he cannot allow a debate on the subject.

Former Chief Minister and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the rejection of the adjournment motion on the Waqf Amendment Act "profoundly disappointing" and accused the NC government of yielding to the BJP's "anti-Muslim" agenda.

“It's profoundly disappointing that the speaker J&K Assembly has rejected the motion on the Waqf Bill. Despite securing a strong mandate, the government appears to have completely yielded to the BJP's anti-Muslim agenda, cynically attempting to appease both sides,” Mehbooba Mufti wrote in her post on X.

Senior religious and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also criticised the Speaker’s decision. The Mirwaiz said on X: “It is ridiculous and condemnable that Tamil Nadu which only has 6% Muslim population, passes a strong anti Wakf resolution in it’s assembly, while the Muslim majority J&K assembly speaker is struggling and refusing, by hiding behind technicalities, to discuss this deeply concerting issue for the Muslims of the state. The speaker would know that the strong peoples mandate given to his party was precisely for the reason that the party had promised to safeguard the interests of the people being trampled upon since August 2019 and take a stand for them in critical matters. Why is he capitulating so meekly?"

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some progress on important bills! The GST amendment was much needed to align with national standards. Hope this brings more economic benefits to J&K. 👍
A
Ayesha M.
While I appreciate the legislative work, I'm concerned about the Waqf Amendment Act being sidelined. Religious institutions need protection, not political games. The Speaker should reconsider.
S
Sunil P.
The ruckus in the Assembly is disappointing. Our representatives should focus on constructive debates rather than disruptions. Taxpayers deserve better decorum!
F
Fatima R.
Mirwaiz sahab makes a valid point about Tamil Nadu vs J&K comparison. Why the double standards when it comes to protecting Muslim interests? 🤔
V
Vikram J.
The Appropriation Bills getting passed quickly shows good governance. Hope the funds are utilized properly for infrastructure development in remote areas.
P
Priya S.
Respectfully disagree with Mehbooba Mufti's statement. Calling everything "anti-Muslim" creates unnecessary divisions. The Speaker followed procedure - it's not about appeasement.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha Legislative Assembly Mehbooba Mufti Waqf Amendment Act Abdul Rahim Rather
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