Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir new Transaction of Business Rules-2025, redefining governance dynamics in the Union Territory is granting a “structured yet limited” role to the Council of Ministers led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while retaining overriding powers with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
According to a report in Jammu-based The Straight Line, the Lieutenant Governor retains discretionary control over critical domains such as law and order, finance, and policy decisions, as outlined in the Fifth Schedule of the rules. While ministers can propose transfers and postings of All India Service (AIS) officers, including IAS and IPS, the LG holds the final say.
“Nothing happens without the LG’s concurrence,” a senior official was quoted as saying.
Expanded role for Council of Ministers
JKAS officers: Ministers now have full authority over transfers and postings of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers.
Executive responsibility: The Council of Ministers is formally tasked with policy decisions, administrative directives, and budgetary approvals.
Financial powers: The CM, who also holds the finance portfolio, can approve minor expenditures within set limits. Major allocations, however, still require the LG’s nod.
Conflict resolution mechanism
In case of disagreements, the rules mandate a structured process:
If the Council reaffirms a decision after LG’s objection, the matter is resolved in favor of the Council.
Notably, the provision to escalate disputes to the Central Government—a feature of the 2019 rules—has been removed.
Shift from 2019 Framework
The 2019 rules, framed after J&K’s reorganization into a UT, heavily centralized power with the LG, reducing the Council of Ministers to an advisory role. The 2025 rules mark incremental changes:
Chief Secretary’s role diminished: Procedural powers are now delegated to ministers.
Legislative proposals: The CM can initiate bills, but LG approval remains mandatory before tabling them in the Assembly.
