Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has directed the government to notify the revised car policy within 15 days. The direction came during discussions on the “One Officer, One Vehicle” policy and the delayed revision of government vehicle rules.Key Highlights• J&K Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather directed the government to notify the revised car policy within 15 days.• The direction came during a discussion on the “One Officer, One Vehicle” policy.• Transport Minister Satish Sharma has been asked to ensure the policy is notified.• The existing vehicle policy was introduced in 2015.• A new policy has been under consideration since the government decided to revise it in 2021.J&K Speaker Questions Delay in Car PolicyDuring the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather questioned the government over the delay in finalising a revised car policy.Rather directed Transport Minister Satish Sharma to ensure that the necessary policy is notified within 15 days. The issue was discussed in the context of the “One Officer, One Vehicle” policy and the management of government vehicles.The Speaker also questioned why the revision had taken several years, particularly as the existing policy had become outdated.Why Is J&K Revising Its Car Policy?According to a government report cited during the Assembly discussion, the existing car policy was notified in 2015. It prescribed vehicle entitlements and price ceilings for Cabinet ministers and other government functionaries.The government said the policy had become outdated over time because vehicle prices and related costs had increased. The government had taken a decision in 2021 to formulate a new vehicle policy, but the revised policy had not yet been notified.Draft Government Vehicle Management Policy 2026The government has constituted a committee to examine the existing car and vehicle policy and recommend revisions.Earlier during the Assembly session, Transport Minister Satish Sharma informed the House that a draft Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026 had been prepared and was under consideration. The Speaker had asked the government to provide a definite timeline for its finalisation and implementation.One Officer, One Vehicle PolicyThe discussion also focused on the use of government vehicles by officials. The Speaker raised concerns about instances where some officers were reportedly using more than one vehicle.The issue has implications for the management of public resources and government vehicle allocation. The revised policy is expected to provide updated rules for vehicle entitlements and management.What Happens Next?With the Speaker directing the government to notify the revised policy within 15 days, the Transport Department will now have to complete the remaining process within the specified timeline.The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's current session is scheduled from September 21 to September 30, 2026, according to the Assembly's official portal.The development is part of wider efforts to update the rules governing government vehicle use in Jammu and Kashmir and bring the policy in line with current vehicle costs and administrative requirements.
