New Car Policy Deadline
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Directs Government to Finalize Car Policy Within 15 Days
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Key Points
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The Speaker said the government had already accepted in principle the need for a new car policy, and questioned why the proposal was still being passed between departments, including being sent back to the Finance Department.
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Before the status report was presented, Rather had asked the minister responsible to submit an update on the policy during the ongoing Assembly session.
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The reports describe the administration directed to act as the National Conference government, adding the political context of the Speaker’s 15-day order.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has given the government 15 days to finalize and notify a new "One Officer, One Car" policy, according to Greater Kashmir. The policy has stalled for nearly five years, and the Speaker expressed frustration that it remains caught between departments. Transport Minister Satish Sharma told the Assembly that consultations and paperwork were still incomplete.
Rather said the delay raised serious concerns about misuse of public resources. Officers have been using vehicles beyond their authorized limits, wasting taxpayer money. The new policy aims to clarify exactly which vehicles each officer is entitled to use, while ensuring they still get the facilities they legitimately deserve, according to Daily Excelsior.
Five-Year Delay Prompts Speaker's Action
The car policy has been stuck in bureaucratic limbo since the government accepted it in principle years ago, according to Kashmir Reader. Rather questioned why the proposal keeps bouncing between departments — most recently sent back to the Finance Department. He demanded clarity on what was holding up such a straightforward administrative reform.
The Speaker had previously asked the responsible minister to provide a status update during this Assembly session. When Transport Minister Sharma finally presented his report, he acknowledged that consultations were incomplete and formal procedures remained unfinished — explaining why the policy still hadn't been notified.
Officers Using Cars Beyond Their Limits
Complaints about vehicle misuse triggered the Speaker's intervention. Officers have been driving government cars beyond what their positions allow, according to Brighter Kashmir. This unauthorized use costs taxpayers money and wastes public resources that should serve legitimate administrative needs.
The new policy is designed to end this problem by setting clear, tier-based vehicle entitlements for different ranks of officers. Rather emphasized that the rules should protect legitimate officer benefits while preventing the excess that has plagued the current system for years.
What the New Policy Must Accomplish
The "One Officer, One Car" framework will specify which officers get which vehicles based on their rank and role, according to Rising Kashmir. Rather stressed that the rules must be clear enough to prevent confusion or loopholes. Officers should know exactly what vehicles they can use — and the Finance Department should track compliance.
Rather's 15-day deadline is now firm. The government has no more excuses for delay. If the policy isn't finalized and officially announced within two weeks, the Speaker has made clear his displeasure with the administration's slow pace on a matter long overdue for resolution.
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