JAMMU, Mar 6 (KNS): After more than four months since the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government, the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet has approved amendments to the Business Rules. These will now be sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for final approval before being officially notified.
A high-level government committee had finalized the amendments, which were approved during a Cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence at 8 PM. The meeting lasted about an hour.
Omar Abdullah was sworn in as Chief Minister on October 16, 2024, alongside five Cabinet Ministers. The amendments were necessary as 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 following the Assembly elections held in September-October 2024.
The revised Business Rules outline the powers and responsibilities of the Chief Minister, the Cabinet, Ministers, and Administrative Secretaries. The Lieutenant Governor’s authority, particularly over law and order, public order, and All India Services, remains as previously defined.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Under the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act-2019, the Lieutenant Governor is responsible for making rules, based on the advice of the Council of Ministers, regarding the allocation of business to Ministers and the transaction of government affairs. The amendments also define procedures to be followed in case of a disagreement between the Lieutenant Governor and the Council of Ministers or an individual Minister.
The Union Home Ministry had earlier notified the Business Rules for the UT of J&K on August 27, 2020, under Section 55 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. These rules were issued in accordance with the Proclamation dated October 31, 2019, under Section 73 of the Act.
With the Cabinet’s approval, the amended Business Rules are now pending formal notification by the Lieutenant Governor. (KNS)