The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed five key Bills introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the ongoing Autumn Session. The legislations cover areas including municipal governance, Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, GST, legislators’ pension and rationalisation of offences.
The Bills were introduced on September 24 and September 28, 2026, after being circulated among Assembly members, and were subsequently taken up for consideration and passage.
Five Bills Passed by Jammu and Kashmir Assembly
The Bills moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah include:
1. Jammu and Kashmir Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2026
Introduced by Omar Abdullah in his capacity as Minister Incharge, Housing and Urban Development, the Bill seeks to amend provisions relating to municipal governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Jammu and Kashmir Ease of Doing Business Bill, 2026
Moved by the Chief Minister as Minister Incharge, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Bill aims to consolidate and amend existing laws to promote a shift from permission-based controls towards rule-based governance.
The proposed framework is intended to make it easier for citizens and businesses to plan, invest and operate with greater certainty. It also focuses on improving the Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, encouraging investment, generating employment and supporting long-term economic growth in the Union Territory.
3. Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026
As Minister Incharge, Finance, Omar Abdullah introduced the GST Amendment Bill, which seeks to make amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
The legislation is part of the Assembly's legislative measures concerning taxation and the GST framework applicable in the Union Territory.
4. Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members’ Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Chief Minister also introduced the Bill as Minister Incharge, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. It seeks to amend the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members’ Pension Act, 1984, along with related and incidental provisions.
5. Jammu and Kashmir Decriminalisation and Rationalisation of Offences Bill, 2026
Another significant legislation passed by the Assembly focuses on decriminalising and rationalising certain offences.
The Bill proposes amendments to specified enactments with the objective of promoting Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. It also provides for the repeal of certain enactments and addresses related matters.
Focus on Governance and Business Reforms
The passage of the five Bills marks a broad legislative push covering urban governance, taxation, business reforms, legislative pensions and regulatory changes.
Among the measures, the Ease of Doing Business and Decriminalisation and Rationalisation of Offences Bills specifically seek to simplify the regulatory environment and reduce unnecessary legal or procedural barriers for citizens and enterprises.
The Bills were passed during the ongoing Autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly , with the legislation covering several important areas of governance and administration in the Union Territory.
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