National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday highlighted the ‘systemic flaws’ of the Union Territory model after his Private Members Bill on drug abuse was returned by the Assembly secretariat, citing the need for obtaining approval from the Lt Governor.
“I had intended to introduce a crucial Bill – The Jammu and Kashmir war against drug abuse and compulsory teaching of ill effects of drug addiction in schools bill, 2025” (LA Bill – Private Members, Bill No. 2 of 2025).
“However, since it involves financial matters and qualifies as a Money Bill, I have been informed that I must seek the advice of the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department and obtain approval from the lieutenant governor before proceeding further,” Sadiq said in a post on X.
Sharing the contents of the Bill and the response of the assembly secretariat, the National Conference chief spokesperson said this bureaucratic hurdle is yet another reminder of the “systemic flaws” of the Union Territory model – a model “we have always opposed while demanding the immediate restoration of full statehood.”
As an elected representative, Sadiq said, he remains committed to ensuring that this Bill reaches the Raj Bhawan and is introduced in the Assembly in the future because the menace of drug abuse must be tackled with the urgency it deserves.
“While this Bill is no longer part of the Assembly’s agenda and must be resubmitted, I want to clarify that sharing this information does not violate Rule 368 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly or any direction of the honourable Speaker,” he said.
He was apparently referring to the statement of Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, who on February 23 took serious note of the publicity of House business notices ahead of ensuing Budget Session and asked the members to desist from the “breach of privilege”.
Asserting that his bill was about protecting the youth and securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadiq said, “I will see this through”. — (PTI)
