J&K govt revokes LG’s ministerial powers, shifts governance to elected leaders

Srinagar, Oct 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Government on Wednesday revoked several orders that previously granted Lieutenant Governor ministerial powers during the period of President’s Rule.
As per the order, the Govt rescinded several orders related to the Transaction of Business and Delegation of Powers in the Union Territory which came just hours after the swearing-in of the new government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, following the successful completion of assembly elections and the revocation of President’s Rule.
As per the details available with Rising Kashmir, the rescinded orders, issued during the period of Lieutenant Governor’s rule after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory, provided the LG with extensive powers as the Chairman of the Administrative Council (AC).
The LG, along with his Advisors and key officers, held the authority and powers typically exercised by Ministers in the Council of Ministers.
The rescinded orders had established the framework for the administration’s functioning in the absence of an elected government.
The orders were rescinded in response to Notification S.O. 4484(E) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday, which paved the way for the elected government to assume full control.
With the formation of the new government led by Omar Abdullah and the revocation of President’s Rule, the power structure has shifted from the LG’s direct control to a democratically elected government.