SRINAGAR, Mar 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has listed 33 Private Members’ Bills for discussion, with five of them specifically proposing a ban or stringent regulations on the sale, consumption, and related activities of alcohol across the Union Territory. This marks a notable surge in legislative proposals aimed at prohibition measures, occurring amidst growing concerns over rising drug and alcohol abuse.
The five alcohol-related bills are slated for consideration under agenda serial numbers 26 to 30. These proposals build upon previous private member initiatives. Among them, legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar of the ruling National Conference has introduced a bill seeking a complete prohibition on the sale and consumption of liquor throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
Another legislator, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi, also from the National Conference, has proposed prohibition on the sale and use of alcoholic beverages specifically within the Lal Chowk constituency. PDP legislator Mir Mohammad Fayaz has put forth a comprehensive bill advocating for a total ban on alcoholic drinks, encompassing advertisements, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture across the Union Territory. Similarly, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has called for a complete ban on the sale, consumption, storage, and transportation of liquor within the Kashmir Valley, citing its perceived social, religious, and security sensitivities.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that a bill introduced by BJP MLA Pawan Gupta, seeking amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Act, is also scheduled for discussion.
These five liquor prohibition bills are among the most significant items on the agenda of the 33 Private Members’ Bills to be taken up. The legislative push comes at a time when the Union Territory’s existing liquor policy, which permits regulated sales in certain areas, is under renewed scrutiny. There has been a consistent demand from various quarters for stricter controls or outright bans on alcohol in the Valley, influenced by long-standing cultural and social considerations.
The clustering of multiple prohibition-related bills on a single legislative day indicates a broad cross-party interest in re-evaluating the current alcohol regulations within Jammu and Kashmir. It is anticipated that the Assembly will first deliberate on granting leave for the introduction of these bills. Following this initial stage, the bills could proceed to substantive discussions, potentially followed by referrals to relevant committees or further legislative procedures within the ongoing session.
The Chenab Times News Desk