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Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to unveil comprehensive guidelines defining the governance structure of Jammu and Kashmir.
SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to unveil comprehensive guidelines defining the governance structure of Jammu and Kashmir. These rules will outline the responsibilities and powers of the Chief Minister, Cabinet members, Ministers, Administrative Secretaries, and other officials.
Official sources told The New Indian that the draft of the ‘Business Rules’ has been meticulously prepared by the Union Territory (UT) administration in collaboration with key stakeholders. This draft has been forwarded to the MHA for approval. The introduction of these rules has become essential since Jammu and Kashmir transitioned from a state to a Union Territory after six years of direct Central administration.
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The authority of the Lieutenant Governor, particularly over key departments like Home and All India Services, has already been clearly specified under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019. However, the Business Rules will provide further clarity, ensuring efficient governance and administrative operations.
The General Administration Department (GAD) of the UT has conducted an extensive review with stakeholders to finalize the draft. Now that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has concluded electoral duties in Jharkhand and Maharashtra, the rules are expected to be issued soon.
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“The Business Rules will define the scope of authority for the Chief Minister, Cabinet, Ministers, and Administrative Secretaries,” a source stated. Additionally, it will clarify the roles of department heads, district commissioners, and equivalent ranks. Other areas such as officer transfers, project approvals, creation of new posts, and recruitment guidelines are also expected to be addressed.
The government has been functioning efficiently despite the absence of these rules. However, their implementation will streamline operations further, especially at lower administrative levels.
The rules for the Legislative Assembly are also pending. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather is expected to lead a committee to draft them. Until then, the Assembly will operate under the provisions of the erstwhile state’s regulations. The upcoming budget session, anticipated in January-February, will likely follow the old framework until new rules are established. The committee to draft Assembly rules is expected to include representatives from various political parties.
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With the Business Rules in place, both governance and administrative clarity are anticipated to improve significantly. In the interim, the administration is preparing to initiate budget planning meetings with departmental heads.
The Chief Minister, currently overseeing the Finance Ministry, is likely to present the first budget for the Union Territory in the next session unless the Council of Ministers is expanded to include a new Finance Minister. The UT can appoint up to nine Ministers, with three positions currently vacant in the Cabinet.
