Nearly four and a half months after the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led Government, the Cabinet has given its approval to the Business Rules for Jammu and Kashmir. These rules will now be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval.

The amendments, which were formulated by a high-level government committee, were approved during a Cabinet meeting held at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence at 8 PM. The meeting, lasting about an hour, marked a significant step in streamlining governance under the new political dispensation in the Union Territory.

Background and Necessity for Amendments

Omar Abdullah took oath as the Chief Minister on October 16, 2024, alongside five Cabinet Ministers. Since then, the administration had been awaiting an update to the Business Rules to define the powers and responsibilities of key officials.

The changes were necessitated after Jammu and Kashmir transitioned from a State to a Union Territory on August 5, 2019. This is the first time a political government has been formed in J&K after the Assembly elections held in September-October 2024.

Key Features of the New Business Rules

The newly approved Business Rules clearly define the powers of the Chief Minister, the Cabinet, Ministers, and Administrative Secretaries. The powers of the Lieutenant Governor remain unchanged, as he continues to oversee law and order, public order, and All India Services.

A senior government official stated, “These amendments will now be sent to the Lieutenant Governor, who has the authority to notify them.”

Legal Framework and Governance Structure

As per the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor is empowered to frame rules based on the advice of the Council of Ministers. This includes the allocation of responsibilities to Ministers and procedures for resolving any differences between the LG and the Cabinet.

Following the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir, the Union Home Ministry had initially notified the Business Rules for the Union Territory on August 27, 2020. The rules were issued under Section 55 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, in conjunction with the Proclamation dated October 31, 2019.

With the Cabinet’s approval, the final notification of the amended Business Rules now rests with the Lieutenant Governor, paving the way for a more structured and efficient governance system in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 48th Board Meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan today, finalizing the arrangements for the much-awaited Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The annual pilgrimage will commence simultaneously from the Pahalgam route (Anantnag district) and Baltal route (Ganderbal district) on July 3, concluding on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.

Key Discussions & Proposals:

The Board discussed various measures to enhance facilities and services for the pilgrims, focusing on:

• Lodgement Expansion: Increasing the lodging capacity at centers in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations to accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims.
• Pilgrim Facilitation: Setting up Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC, RFID issuance, and on-spot registration at Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
• Facility Enhancement: Upgrading facilities at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, Pantha Chowk Srinagar, and other transit points.
• Security & Surveillance: Implementing a digital pre-paid system for hiring services, ensuring enhanced security measures at the holy cave.
• Infrastructure Development: Improvements in Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar; widening of yatra tracks; decongestion of holy cave areas.
• Disaster Preparedness: Strengthening medical care facilities, deploying heli services, and enhancing weather forecasting systems.

Board Members & Officials Present:

The meeting was attended by Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, D C Raina, Kailash Mehra Sadhu, KN Rai, Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, along with key government officials.

LG Sinha’s Address:

Expressing gratitude towards the Board members, LG Sinha emphasized ensuring smooth arrangements for the pilgrims. He instructed departments to accelerate ongoing projects and ensure timely completion of facilities.

CEO’s Presentation on Yatra Arrangements:

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SASB, gave a detailed presentation on the Yatra arrangements, covering insurance provisions, service providers, ponies, online services, and communication strategies.

Prominent Attendees:

The meeting was attended by:

• Atal Dulloo (Chief Secretary)
• Shaleen Kabra (Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department)
• Nalin Prabhat (DGP)
• Chandraker Bharti (Principal Secretary Home)
• Divisional Commissioners of Jammu & Kashmir
• Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal & Anantnag
• Senior Officers from UT Administration & Shrine Board

The high-level discussions aimed to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for thousands of devotees.

Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly, met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today to discuss key issues concerning the upcoming Budget Session. The session is set to commence tomorrow, marking an important phase for legislative discussions in the Union Territory.

Focus on Budget Priorities
During the meeting, Sharma emphasized the need for addressing critical public concerns, including economic development, employment generation, and infrastructural growth in Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the administration to ensure that the budget reflects the aspirations and needs of the people.

Legislative Agenda & Public Welfare
Sharma also stressed the importance of a transparent and accountable governance system, highlighting key areas that require urgent government attention. He reiterated the opposition’s commitment to voicing public grievances and ensuring a fair and balanced budget debate in the Assembly.

LG’s Assurance for Inclusive Development
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that the upcoming Budget Session will focus on holistic development, welfare programs, and economic reforms aimed at boosting J&K’s progress. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a people-centric approach in policymaking.

Political Significance of the Meeting
The discussion comes at a crucial juncture, as political leaders prepare to engage in intense deliberations over financial allocations and policy initiatives. The opposition is expected to play a vital role in scrutinizing the budget proposals and advocating for measures that benefit the common people.