Jammu, August 16, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government is preparing to introduce nearly half a dozen bills during the upcoming autumn session of the Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026, in Srinagar, according to official sources.
Several proposed legislations are currently being examined by the concerned departments and are expected to be finalised over the coming days. The bills will subsequently be placed before the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval.
Once cleared by the Cabinet, the proposed legislations will be forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approval before being introduced in the Legislative Assembly.
Ease of Doing Business Bill in Focus
One of the key proposed legislations concerns Ease of Doing Business, with the Government considering measures aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing regulatory hurdles for entrepreneurs and businesses in Jammu and Kashmir.
The proposed framework includes a three-year moratorium on certain formalities required for starting a business. Under the proposal, entrepreneurs would be allowed to begin operations and complete specified formalities after their ventures become operational.
The Government is also considering a significant reduction in the number of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) required from different departments.
Other proposed reforms include greater use of self-certification, reducing multiple licences and simplifying regulatory procedures.
Faster Clearances for Businesses
The proposed reforms are expected to cover a range of establishments, including hotels, homestays, educational institutions, medical institutions and other businesses.
The Government is also looking at reducing the number of inspections conducted by different departments. Reports from required inspections are proposed to be submitted within 24 hours, according to sources cited in the report.
The Ease of Doing Business Ordinance was earlier placed before the Cabinet during its August 4 meeting in Srinagar, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. However, consideration was deferred after some Ministers sought a detailed presentation from the concerned department.
If the presentation is arranged and the Cabinet approves the proposal, the Ordinance could be sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval. Otherwise, the legislation may be introduced directly in the Assembly.
Even if an Ordinance is promulgated, it would subsequently have to be laid before the Legislative Assembly for approval within six months.
MSME and Drug Menace Bills Also Under Consideration
Apart from Ease of Doing Business, Government departments are reportedly working on proposed legislation concerning Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and measures to tackle the drug menace.
These bills will also require Cabinet approval and, where applicable, the Lieutenant Governor’s approval before being introduced in the Assembly.
The proposed legislative agenda indicates that the September session could become an important platform for the Government to push reforms relating to business facilitation, industry, employment and social challenges.
Assembly Calendar Awaiting Government Business
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretariat has sought details of the Government’s proposed business for the autumn session.
Officials said the final Assembly calendar will be released only after the Government communicates the legislative and other business to be taken up during the session.
Apart from Government bills and business, time will also be allocated for private members’ bills and resolutions.
With the session scheduled to commence on September 21, the Government is now working towards finalising its legislative agenda and securing the necessary approvals ahead of the Assembly proceedings.
