The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will take up 33 private member bills for consideration on Monday, with a major focus on land reforms, health, social welfare and drug de-addiction.
Among them are six separate bills introduced by members of the National Conference and the PDP seeking a permanent ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in Jammu and Kashmir.
One additional bill seeks amendments to the existing excise law to enforce prohibition on alcohol. These bills have received massive support from political, religious and social activists, as well as the general public.
Another key bill proposes a ban on private practice by government doctors to ensure their full-time availability in public health institutions — a practice that is widespread in the Kashmir Valley.
One of the most significant bills relates to land reforms. It proposes the restoration of the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Act, 1960, with provisions that existed prior to the 2022 amendments, with the aim of safeguarding the rights of existing leaseholders.
A separate bill seeks to grant ownership rights to long-term occupants of state land and calls for greater transparency in land ownership transfers. Another bill also proposes the protection and management of Kashmiri Hindu shrines, temples and other religious places in the Union Territory.
Other bills focus on banning the import of frozen and chilled meat from outside Jammu and Kashmir, while another seeks a complete ban on the sale of unsafe food items.
Several bills also address employment and welfare issues, including the regularisation of casual and daily-rated workers and welfare guarantees for unemployed youth.
According to official sources, 72 private member bills have been accepted for discussion in the House so far, though the actual discussion will depend on the availability of time.
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