CM tables key financial, CAG reports
JAMMU, MARCH 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed three key Bills through voice vote and witnessed important procedural directions during the Question Hour, even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled major financial and audit reports in the House.
The Bills, moved by the Chief Minister, were put to vote by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and passed after discussion. L.A. Bill No. 01 of 2026 aims to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences to promote ease of living and doing business.
L.A. Bill No. 02 of 2026 seeks to end discrimination against persons affected by leprosy, ensuring equal treatment and enabling affirmative action. L.A. Bill No. 03 of 2026 proposes amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Courts Act, 1977, to improve the efficiency of the judicial system.
Amendments proposed by legislators, including Saifullah Mir, Nizamuddin Bhat and Balwant Singh Mankotia, were withdrawn following assurances from the Chief Minister.
Earlier during the Question Hour, MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia raised a Point of Order regarding the length of questions. The Speaker directed that questions must not exceed 150 words, citing Rule 38 (Condition 7), and stressed the need for brevity to save the House’s time. He observed that many questions had been lengthy and admitted only through special powers, warning that such questions would be rejected in future if they violated the prescribed limit. He also suggested organising workshops or seminars to familiarise legislators with procedural rules.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also laid on the Table of the House key financial documents, including the Finance Accounts (Volumes I and II) and Appropriation Accounts for 2023–24, along with the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Union Territory finances for 2022–23.
