Asif Iqbal Naik
Srinagar, October 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will take up a significant agenda on Monday (October 27) as the House Committee’s report recommending a revision in the salary, allowances, and pensionary benefits of legislators is scheduled to be presented before the House.
According to the List of Business issued by Assembly Secretary Manoj Kumar Pandit, Shri Surjeet Singh Slathia, Chairman of the House Committee, will lay on the Table of the House the report proposing an upward revision in the remuneration structure for sitting MLAs and an enhancement in pension and related benefits for former legislators.
The committee was constituted to examine the existing salary framework of lawmakers in the Union Territory and bring it in line with the prevailing standards in other states and union territories. The report is expected to outline the financial implications, justifications, and recommendations for revising the pay structure of elected representatives.
Observers say the issue could generate substantial debate across party lines, particularly against the backdrop of economic challenges and public expectations regarding fiscal discipline. Opposition members are likely to question the timing of the revision, while treasury benches may defend it as part of routine institutional reform.
Besides the salary report, Monday’s sitting will also witness the introduction of a key legislation by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah — The Rent Authority Bill (L.A. Bill No. 4 of 2025) — aimed at regulating renting of premises, safeguarding the interests of landlords and tenants, and ensuring a speedy mechanism for resolving rental disputes.
The day’s proceedings will open with Question Hour, followed by the announcement of the Panel of Chairmen by the Hon’ble Speaker. The House will also take up five Calling Attention motions on pressing public issues including:
• Non-availability of rations in far-flung areas of Keran and Jumgand (raised by Mir Saifullah),
• Spread of Hepatitis-A and waterborne diseases in Bandipora (Nizam-ud-Din Bhat),
• Losses to fruit growers due to highway blockades (Hilal Akbar Lone),
• Acute shortage of drinking water in Lolab (Qaysar Jamshaid Lone), and
• Unplanned garbage dumping by Udhampur Municipality (Ranbir Singh Pathania).
Monday’s business is expected to generate an intense and wide-ranging discussion as members raise both local concerns and policy matters before the government.
