Srinagar, October 15 — The Jammu and Kashmir cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of three significant bills in the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
Sources reported that the cabinet endorsed amendments to the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, and the Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishment Bill, 2025. The amendment to the Panchayati Raj Act proposes increasing the upper age limit for the State Election Commissioner from 65 to 70 years, as confirmed by reports.
The Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Business Establishment Act, 2025, proposed by the Labour & Employment Department, aims to regulate working conditions, employment practices, and operational standards for shops and businesses across the Union Territory. Additionally, amendments to the Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, were approved to streamline tax-related provisions.
The cabinet also removed the middle-pass qualification requirement for the State Marriage Assistance Scheme, broadening eligibility for beneficiaries. Further, it approved amendments to Schedule II of the Jammu and Kashmir Engineering (Gazetted) Services Recruitment Rules, 1978, facilitating appointments to Chief Engineer and other senior positions in engineering departments.
Additionally, the cabinet greenlit the e-auctioning of limestone mineral blocks in Jammu and Kashmir and granted administrative approval for a Rs 45.80 crore sewerage scheme at the Gulmarg tourist resort. The assembly session is expected to commence on October 23, where these bills will be tabled for discussion.
The Chenab Times News Desk