Government Working on Ease of Doing Business, MSME and Anti-Drug Legislations
Srinagar, August 15: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is preparing to bring nearly half a dozen new Bills before the Legislative Assembly during its upcoming autumn session, scheduled to commence on September 21 in Srinagar.
Official sources said the Government is currently working on the proposed legislative measures, with the draft Bills expected to be finalised in the coming days. After completion, the proposals will be placed before the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval. The approved legislation will subsequently be submitted to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the required constitutional process before being introduced in the Assembly.
Among the key legislations under consideration are measures aimed at improving the Ease of Doing Business, strengthening the framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and intensifying the legal and administrative response to the drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Several other legislative proposals are also being examined by the Government and could be included in the final list of Bills to be taken up during the session.
Ease of Doing Business Reform Under Consideration
The proposed Ease of Doing Business legislation had earlier been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on August 4. The matter, however, was deferred after some Ministers sought a detailed presentation from the concerned department.
Sources said the proposal is likely to return before the Cabinet after the required presentation is made. If approved, the proposed framework could be forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor for the necessary approval. In case an Ordinance is not issued, the Government may introduce the legislation directly in the Legislative Assembly.
The proposed reforms are intended to create a more business-friendly regulatory environment in Jammu and Kashmir and make it easier for entrepreneurs and investors to establish and operate enterprises.
One of the major proposals under examination is a three-year relaxation period for certain mandatory formalities, under which eligible businesses could commence operations before completing specified requirements within the prescribed timeframe.
Fewer NOCs, Licences and Procedural Requirements
The proposed reforms are also expected to reduce the dependence on multiple No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from different Government departments.
The framework may promote self-certification, while reducing the number of licences, permissions and other procedural requirements involved in setting up and operating businesses.
The Government is also examining measures to simplify procedures for establishing hotels, homestays, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other commercial establishments.
Officials are working on streamlining the regulatory system and reducing unnecessary inspections. Under the proposed mechanism, inspection reports may have to be submitted within a fixed timeframe to ensure greater accountability and prevent avoidable delays.
MSME and Anti-Drug Legislation Also on Government Agenda
Meanwhile, the Government is also working on the proposed MSME legislation, aimed at strengthening the institutional and regulatory framework for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir.
Another important area under consideration is legislation and related measures to strengthen the fight against drug abuse, drug trafficking and the wider narcotics menace in the Union Territory.
The Government is expected to finalise these and other legislative proposals before communicating its complete business programme to the Assembly Secretariat.
Assembly Secretariat Seeks Government Business
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat has already sought details of the proposed Government business from the administration.
The information is expected to assist the Secretariat in finalising the duration, agenda and calendar of the autumn session. The detailed schedule is likely to be issued after the Government communicates the legislative and other official business proposed to be taken up by the House.
Besides Government Bills and official business, the session is also expected to provide an opportunity for legislators to raise matters of public importance.
Private Members’ Bills and resolutions are also likely to be taken up in accordance with the final business schedule.
The autumn session is expected to witness detailed deliberations on the Government’s legislative agenda, economic and business reforms, the MSME sector, the drug menace and several other issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.(KNC)
