Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Feb 7: In a significant move, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has directed departments to submit money bills at least 21 days in advance for necessary approvals to the Lieutenant Governor’s secretariat.
Ahead of the budget session, the Department of Justice, Law and Parliamentary Affairs has directed departments to submit money bills for necessary approvals 21 days in advance to Raj Bhawan for LG’s recommendation.
“For proposals requiring the Lieutenant Governor’s recommendation under Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, departments must submit them at least 21 days in advance for necessary approvals,” reads the circular issued by the department.
Under the said provision of the Act, any bill or amendment related to taxation, government financial obligations, or appropriation of funds from the consolidated fund can only be introduced in the Legislative Assembly with the prior recommendation of the Lieutenant Governor.
The department underlined that there is a need for timely submission and legal vetting of legislative proposals before their introduction in the House.
“To ensure thorough examination, departments must refer all Bills and other legislative matters to the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs well in advance,” the department directed.
The Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has also directed them to adhere to the procedure of introduction of bills as delineated under the Transaction of Business of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Rules, 2019.
The Part-C of the Business Rules outlines the procedure for initiating legislative proposals.
It has also reminded departments that certain Acts require rules and notifications issued under them to be presented before the Legislative Assembly.
“Departments responsible for such laws must ensure these rules and notifications are laid before the House during the Budget Session to comply with legal requirements,” it added.
The Department has directed financial commissioners (additional chief secretaries), principal secretaries, commissioners, and secretaries to strictly follow prescribed procedures while handling legislative matters and responding to assembly questions.
“Also, administrative secretaries and heads of departments must be present in the house when matters concerning their departments are discussed,” the department said. (KNO)
