e House resumed proceedings following a 30-minute adjournment, with BJP members raising slogans in protest against the resolution and references to the autonomy resolution.

Amid the uproar, Randhawa was marshalled out of the House while attempting to cross through the side. The BJP members raised slogans including “Desh Ke Tukde Hum Nahi Sahege”. They also raised the slogan, “Bijli Pani Jo De Na Saki, Woh Sarkaar Nikami Hai”.

Amid the continued uproar, the Speaker adjourned the House till Monday.—(KNO)

After Question Hour, the Chief Minister moved a resolution, urging the Government of India for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“In addition to the resolutions passed by this House on 26 June 2000 and 6 November 2024, the House calls upon the Government of India for full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and resolves that this Resolution be forwarded to the Government of India,” the resolution reads.

The NC-led government headed by Farooq Abdullah had passed a resolution on 26 June 2000 for the restoration of autonomy. On 6 November 2024, the House passed a resolution seeking restoration of special status.

The reference to the 2000 resolution triggered protests from BJP members, who stated that they would not allow any discussion on the issue of autonomy in the House.

“We will not allow discussion on the issue of autonomy in the House,” BJP legislator Pathania said.

The BJP legislators stormed into the well of the House, with some climbing onto seats and resorting to massive sloganeering. Some of them tore the resolution into pieces—(KNO)

The government further said that the scheme provides financial assistance to accredited and non-accredited journalists, including freelancers, in cases of extreme hardship.

In response to a question raised by MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania regarding, the government,, said the Journalist Welfare Scheme, issued by the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on April 1, 2023, is already operational at the national level.

The government said that under the scheme, one-time ex-gratia financial assistance is provided to accredited and non-accredited journalists, including freelance journalists, in cases of extreme hardship.

“Assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh is admissible in cases of death, up to Rs 5 lakh for permanent disability and up to Rs 3 lakh towards treatment of major ailments not covered under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or insurance,” the government further said.

The government said journalists from J&K are eligible to apply under the scheme through the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and/or the Information Department, while eligible cases from the Union Territory can be forwarded with due recommendation.

Regarding district-wise details of funds sanctioned and applications received or financial assistance released to journalists or their surviving dependents during the last five financial years, the government said the JWS-2023 is not J&K-specific. “No such application has been received by the Department of Information and Public Relations, J&K under the JWS-2023 for recommendation to the MoB,” it said.

On the demand for extending welfare benefits to non-accredited and digital-media journalists, the government added that financial assistance is available under JWS-2023 to accredited and non-accredited journalists, including freelancers, and their families in cases of extreme hardship.

On whether the government proposed to establish a dedicated and non-lapsable J&K Journalists Welfare Fund with a representative governing council, the government said that, so far, no dedicated welfare fund for journalists exists in J&K.

The government further said that the primary statutory obligations relating to service conditions, wages, gratuity, provident fund, insurance against employment injury and medical care of employed journalists rest with employers or media houses under applicable laws.

The government added that establishment of such a fund would require finalisation of its corpus and funding pattern, framing of eligibility and income criteria, institutional mechanisms for administration of the fund and concurrence of the Finance Department.—(KNO)

The information was provided by the Agriculture Production Department in response to a question raised by Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi.

The government, said the study will be conducted through Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir. “The exercise aims to evaluate the viability of large-scale commercial plantations in Uri, keeping in view the area’s limited traditional agriculture and horticulture opportunities.”

The government said the study will also examine the scope for demonstration plantations, nursery development and value-chain opportunities, wherever found suitable.

The Minister in-charge said the findings would help identify commercially viable plantation models and guide future interventions in the sector.

The government further said that, based on the outcome of the study, an action plan for pilot plantations and subsequent scaling-up of viable models would be considered in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.—(KNO)

As soon as proceedings of the House began, Congress lawmakers carrying banners that read “Gyanesh Kumar resign, protect the vote, protect democracy” raised slogans demanding the CEC’s resignation.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather,questioned legislators Nizamuddin Bhat, Irfan Hafiz Lone and Iftikhar for bringing banners inside the House. “Who has given you permission to bring banners here? Close them,” the Speaker asked.

He told the protesting lawmakers that the Election Commission of India was not under the jurisdiction of the J&K Assembly. “ECI is not under our control. I have disallowed it. This is Question Hour,” he said, warning, “Take your seats before I take action against you.”—(KNO)

Trump accorded a grand welcome, complete with military honours and a flyover by fighter jets, to Xi on Thursday, at the White House, followed by a meeting in the Oval Office that lasted over two hours.

At the state dinner in the East Room of the White House, Trump and Xi raised a toast to the countries’ relationship.

Dar informed the House that approximately 35 lakh people, including around 7.5 lakh families, are directly or indirectly involved in horticulture. The sector contributes about 10% to the Union Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating an estimated annual income of ₹12,000 crore. One hectare of orchard provides roughly 400 man-days of employment annually, making it crucial for rural livelihoods and economic growth.

On crop insurance, the Minister detailed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) across all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme is demand-driven, with no cap on the number of beneficiaries, provided they meet eligibility criteria. Currently, about 13.98 lakh farmer families are eligible for benefits. Data shows that 6,86,741 hectares are insured, benefiting nearly 13 lakh farmers, with over 3.72 lakh claims registered and approximately ₹221.71 crore paid in claims.

Dar acknowledged that natural calamities like hailstorms, floods, and heavy rains have caused losses to farmers and orchardists. The Department assesses crop damage through field teams and provides relief under relevant schemes. The PMFBY scheme offers insurance coverage against risks such as drought, floods, pest attacks, storms, and cyclones, covering notified crops and areas as per guidelines.

Addressing claims pending settlement, the Minister cited issues such as Aadhaar verification problems, bank account closures, non-seeding of Aadhaar with banking platforms, and frozen accounts. The government has launched a special campaign to resolve these issues, with about 60% of affected farmers already contacted and their documents collected for verification. Dar assured that efforts are ongoing to ensure eligible farmers receive their rightful claims.

In terms of transportation, Dar stated that the government has strengthened logistics during the peak fruit season by establishing a dedicated Control Room at Qazigund for real-time traffic management and coordination. The Mughal Road is being used as an alternative route to reduce congestion on NH-44. Additionally, railway services from Anantnag and Budgam to Delhi have been promoted to facilitate the movement of horticultural produce, helping diversify transportation options and reduce delays.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and orchardists by improving crop insurance, expediting claim settlements, and enhancing transportation and market connectivity. He also highlighted that schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) offer farmers subsidies of over 60%, aiding their growth and sustainability.

Dar explained that the Agriculture Production Department is actively implementing measures under the Insecticides Act, 1968, to monitor and control pesticide quality. Two dedicated Quality Control Laboratories, located in Srinagar and Jammu, are operational for testing pesticide samples. The enforcement mechanism is being further strengthened to ensure strict compliance with safety standards.

During 2025–26, authorities tested 5,772 pesticide samples, discovering 85 substandard products. Enforcement actions included issuing 93 show-cause notices, pursuing 52 prosecutions, registering 22 FIRs, and collecting fines amounting to ₹70,000. In the current year, 1,658 samples have been tested, with 66 found substandard. This led to the suspension or cancellation of 19 pesticide licenses, 19 prosecutions, three FIRs, and fines totaling₹1.33 lakh.

The government has also banned or restricted 32 highly toxic pesticide formulations, following Indian government advisories. Dar emphasized that farmers and pesticide applicators are being sensitized on proper use, including adherence to recommended doses, target pests, waiting periods, and application methods. Efforts are underway to promote responsible use through awareness campaigns on safe handling, PPE usage, and disposal practices.

To reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, the government is actively promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In 2025–26, 520 Farmer Field Schools were conducted in major horticultural districts such as Shopian, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kulgam, and Anantnag to encourage scientific pest control methods.

The government is also fostering organic farming under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), alongside issuing approximately 1.15 lakh Soil Health Cards to promote balanced fertilizer use. A State Pesticide Residue Testing Laboratory is near completion, expected to enhance residue monitoring.

Farmers are advised to buy only registered pesticides from licensed dealers, follow prescribed dosages, and use protective gear to ensure safety. The NABL-accredited Research Centre at SKUAST-Kashmir conducts regular residue testing of fruits, vegetables, and crops, which mostly show residue levels within permissible limits, with occasional exceedances.

Dar further highlighted the need for a science-based, multi-sectoral study involving agriculture, health, and medical departments to assess pesticide exposure and health impacts. He also referenced recommendations from the Committee on Environment, which suggested a coordinated approach to minimize risks from unsafe pesticide use, emphasizing the importance of risk mitigation to protect public health.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Uri Sajjad Shafi during Question Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session of the Legislative Assembly, the Minister said the staffing requirements of schools with relatively higher PTR are being addressed through the ongoing rationalisation process.

She said that only 10 out of 375 government schools in Uri constituency have a Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTR) of more than 40, while steps are underway to address staffing requirements in these schools through rationalisation and judicious deployment of available teaching resources

Sakeena Itoo said applications from eligible teachers have already been invited under the Annual Transfer Drive (ATD)-2026, and these applications will be considered with due regard to the staffing requirements of schools having relatively higher pupil-teacher loads, wherever warranted.

The Minister further informed the House that 22 Laboratory Assistants have recently been promoted as Teachers, of whom eight have been adjusted in Uri constituency. In addition, five Masters have been transferred to Uri constituency to supplement the existing teaching arrangements, particularly in schools where the pupil-teacher load is relatively higher.

Sakeena Itoo added that the rationalisation exercise for the current academic year has already been initiated and the staffing requirements of individual schools will be duly considered as part of the exercise to ensure a more balanced distribution of teaching personnel.

The matter came up during the Question Hour in response to a question regarding “One Officer- One Vehicle” raised by MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania.

Replying to the question, Minister for Transport, Satish Sharma, informed the House that the Government, through the General Administration Department, had constituted a Committee to examine the existing Car/Vehicle Policy and make recommendations for its revision.

The Minister further informed the House that, pursuant to the Committee’s deliberations, a draft Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026 has been framed and is presently under consideration in the Department.

Taking note of the delay in finalising and implementing the policy, Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, observed that the matter requires expeditious consideration. The Speaker directed the Minister to apprise the House, within the ongoing Session, of the definite timeline for finalisation and implementation of the Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026.

The Speaker emphasised that the Government should provide a clear position before the House so that the Members are duly apprised of the timeline envisaged for giving effect to the policy.

The direction of the Speaker underscores the importance of timely action on matters concerning rationalisation and effective management of Government vehicles, and of keeping the House duly informed of the progress and proposed course of action.

The Government is accordingly required to apprise the House, within the current Session, of the definite timeline for implementation of the Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026.