Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 30: The Legislative Assembly today passed four key bills, including the J&K Tenancy Bill, 2025, and three others aimed at reforming laws governing service conditions of workers, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and Cooperative Societies.
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During the discussion on the J&K Shops and Establishments (Licensing, Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2025, MLA Nizamudin Bhat deliberated on an amendment he had moved, seeking to extend the appeal period from 30 to 90 days.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. One month is too short for filing an appeal. There can be disasters and delays in obtaining reports. Under general provisions, delay is not condoned and litigation only increases. To make the process fairer, the appeal period should be 90 days,” Bhat argued.
Deputy Chief Minister, however, disagreed, saying, “We have worked extensively on this. The Government has sought suggestions, and the process will continue.”
Unconvinced, Bhat countered that the Government’s logic was flawed and that in all current laws, aggrieved parties are given sufficient time for appeals.
“This law is meant to protect employees of shops-many of whom lack the privileges. The 90-day window would ensure justice, considering delays and financial constraints faced by workers.”
Bhat insisted he would put the amendment to vote even if it was likely to fail.
However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather ruled that the Government did not agree to the amendment, which was subsequently rejected by the House and the bill was passed.
The bill aims to amend and consolidate laws relating to the regulation of employment and service conditions of workers employed in shops and establishments and related matters.
BJP MLA Pawan Gupta expressed concern that certain sections of workers had been excluded from the bill’s ambit. “The bill should be referred to a Select Committee for review,” he said.
The Speaker responded that no formal motion has been submitted for such a reference, and the request could not be entertained.
The House also passed the J&K Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar.
The J&K Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was also passed in the Assembly.
The bill, moved by Minister for Cooperatives Javid Ahmad Dar, seeks to amend the J&K Cooperative Societies Act, 1989.
The Assembly also passed the J&K Tenancy Bill, 2025, moved by Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The bill seeks to establish a Rent Authority to regulate renting of premises, protect the interests of landlords and tenants, and provide a speedy adjudication mechanism for resolution of disputes. It was passed by a voice vote.
While there was no discussion on two other bills, a brief discussion, however, took place on the J&K Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2025, during which several members called for stronger oversight and revival of the cooperative movement.
MLA Narinder Singh said many cooperative properties had been illegally encroached upon and urged that such cases be resolved within a time frame. “The Registrar must be empowered to act first, followed by the Tribunal,” he suggested.
MLA Satish Sharma highlighted irregularities in voter lists of cooperative societies, noting that “many deceased members still figure in records. These lists must be revised, and encroachments removed.”
MLA Mubarak Gul lamented the decline of the cooperative movement in J&K.
“The cooperative sector has nearly died. It must be revived. Many societies have taken loans but failed to repay them. A committee should be constituted to revive the movement and recover dues,” he said.
MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan raised concerns over the closure of Jammu Central Cooperative Bank (JCCB), where employees have not received salaries and depositors await refunds.
Supporting the Bill, MLA S.S. Salathia said that the proposed Tribunal will ensure speedy trials. He also raised the issues concerning the closure of JCCB.
“About Rs 200 crore of depositors’ money remains unreleased. This damages public trust. Proper monitoring is essential so that people benefit and employment opportunities are generated,” he added.
MLA Tanvir Sadiq emphasized the need to modernize infrastructure to make cooperative institutions more efficient and accessible to the public.
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