Jammu, Mar 30: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the government does not oppose private members’ bills without due consideration, stressing that every proposal is examined in detail before a decision is taken.
Opposing a private member’s bill moved by Congress legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat in the Assembly seeking equitable opportunity of employment in civil services, Abdullah said remarks made during the discussion could create an impression that such bills are rejected routinely without proper scrutiny, which he termed as “somewhat unfair.”
“It may appear as if we pick up a slip marked ‘oppose’ and stand up to reject a bill, but that is not the case,” the chief minister said.
He said that whenever a proposal comes before the government—whether through the Assembly or any other route—it is thoroughly analysed.
“We examine its feasibility and weigh its advantages and disadvantages. If the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, we do not oppose it,” he said.
Nearly a dozen of the 33 private members’ bills listed in the Assembly were introduced, with most later withdrawn by their sponsors and some rejected by voice vote following the government’s response.
Referring to Bhat’s proposal, Abdullah said the bill, after detailed examination, appeared to have more disadvantages and potential complications than advantages.
While acknowledging the concern raised by the legislator, he said restricting recruitment or postings to the local level could create administrative challenges, including the need for additional cadres, shortage of eligible candidates at the block level and the possibility of arbitrary relaxations.
He added that such a system could also make it difficult to meet reservation norms and restrict promotion avenues, leading to disparities among employees recruited at the same time.
The chief minister said that although the issue merits attention, the proposed bill was not an appropriate solution and urged its withdrawal, while assuring that the government would explore alternative measures to address the concern. (PTI)
