SRINAGAR: National Conference leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq on Sunday criticized the governance framework of the Union Territory, citing administrative roadblocks after his Private Members’ Bill on drug abuse was returned by the Assembly Secretariat, requiring prior clearance from the Lieutenant Governor.
“I had proposed a significant bill—The Jammu and Kashmir War Against Drug Abuse and Mandatory Education on Substance Addiction in Schools Bill, 2025 (LA Bill – Private Members, Bill No. 2 of 2025),” Sadiq stated.
“However, since the bill involves financial provisions and falls under the category of a Money Bill, I have been informed that I must first seek the Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department’s opinion and obtain authorization from the Lieutenant Governor before proceeding,” he wrote on X.
Sharing the bill’s details and the Assembly Secretariat’s response, Sadiq, the chief spokesperson of the National Conference, called this a clear example of the “governance limitations” of the Union Territory model.
“This bureaucratic restriction is yet another stark reminder of the structural flaws of the Union Territory framework—a system we have consistently opposed while demanding the immediate reinstatement of full statehood,” he asserted.
As a representative of the people, Sadiq reaffirmed his determination to push for the bill’s introduction, ensuring that it reaches the Raj Bhawan for due consideration.
“The crisis of drug addiction demands swift and decisive action. I remain steadfast in ensuring that this legislation is tabled in the Assembly in the future,” he declared.
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Although the bill is no longer part of the current Assembly agenda and will need to be resubmitted, Sadiq clarified that discussing it publicly does not violate Rule 368 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly or any directives of the Speaker.
His statement comes in response to Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s warning on February 23, where he took serious exception to members publicizing House business notices before the upcoming Budget Session and advised them against violating legislative privileges.
Reaffirming his commitment to the issue, Sadiq emphasized that his proposed bill is aimed at protecting J&K’s youth and securing the region’s future.
“This is not just legislation—it is about safeguarding an entire generation from the scourge of drug addiction. I am fully committed to seeing this effort through,” he vowed.
