New Delhi Dec 07 (KNS) : An open letter from representatives of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community has drawn attention of the Rajya Sabha to take up discussion on the Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2022, despite it being listed on the agenda on December 5.
The Bill, introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by Congress MP Vivek Tankha, seeks a structured legal framework for restitution, rehabilitation, and resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits displaced from the Valley since 1990. The community has remained in displacement for over 36 years.
In the letter a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Service (KNS), addressed to the Chairman and Members of the Rajya Sabha and leaders of political parties, community representatives expressed disappointment over the delay. They described the Bill as a long pending humanitarian measure rather than a routine legislative proposal.
The letter praised Vivek Tankha for sustained advocacy and said expectations were high that discussion in the Upper House would initiate concrete action. It also recalled that recommendations of a Parliamentary Committee chaired by the late Sushma Swaraj, submitted 17 years ago, remain unimplemented.
The letter highlighted the broader decline in Private Member’s Bills.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOver the past 11 years, not a single Private Member’s Bill has been enacted into law. Data cited shows that 1,843 such Bills were introduced in the last two Lok Sabhas, only 16 were discussed, and none were passed. The last Private Member’s Bill to become law dates back to 1970.
Calling this record a reflection of institutional apathy, the letter questioned why constitutionally valid legislative efforts addressing public concerns continue to be sidelined.
The community noted information suggesting that the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs may forward a recommendation to the Ministry of Home Affairs for reconsideration of the Bill by the Rajya Sabha. This, it said, has revived cautious hope after decades of delay.
The letter appealed to Members of Parliament to act beyond party lines and support the Bill in the interest of justice and constitutional responsibility. It asserted continued faith in Parliament as the guardian of equality and sought a dignified resolution that allows the displaced community to reclaim its roots.
The letter was issued on behalf of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community by Sanjay Sapru.(KNS)