Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has publicly questioned Transport Minister Satish Sharma regarding the persistent allocation of multiple official vehicles to individual officers, demanding an explanation for the delay in implementing a proposed “One Officer-One Vehicle” policy. The issue was brought to the forefront during the Question Hour session when Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania inquired about the government’s intentions to enforce a single official vehicle per officer across all departments.
In a written response presented to the House, Minister Sharma acknowledged that there is currently no standardized policy governing the allotment of official vehicles to officers throughout Jammu and Kashmir‘s government departments. However, he indicated that a revised vehicle policy is under consideration, which aims to introduce the principle of “One Vehicle-One Officer.” The draft policy, as outlined by the Minister, also includes provisions for exceptions in circumstances necessitating security requirements, field assignments, operational exigencies, and specific functional needs of various departments. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that a committee was constituted on April 9, 2021, to examine this matter and subsequently prepared the Draft Government Vehicle Management Policy, 2026, which is presently awaiting government consideration.
Speaker Rather expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of action, particularly given that the committee had completed its work and submitted its recommendations. He directly challenged the Minister, asking, “A high-level committee was constituted to deliberate on the issue. It has submitted its recommendations. What are you waiting for?” The Speaker further pressed on the timeline, referencing a report submitted to the department earlier in the month. He queried the prolonged decision-making process, stating, “If the report reached your office on September 1, 2026, why has no action been taken till now? Why should it take another two months?”
Furthermore, Speaker Rather contested the rationale that some officers require multiple vehicles due to handling more than one department. He posed a critical question to the Minister: “If an officer is entrusted with additional responsibilities, why can’t the same vehicle be used? Why is a separate vehicle required?” In response to the Speaker’s pointed observations, Minister Sharma characterized the situation as a “legacy matter” and assured the House that the government would undertake a thorough examination of the issue. Despite these assurances, the Speaker maintained his stance, emphasizing that established practices cannot be permitted to persist if they are deemed inappropriate. He urged the government to expedite a resolution to this matter within the ongoing Assembly session.
Official records, as indicated by the source, reveal that a significant number of government officers continue to benefit from the facility of being allocated multiple official vehicles. This practice has drawn scrutiny due to concerns about potential misuse of resources and the need for greater accountability in government expenditure. The debate highlights a broader discussion on administrative efficiency and the optimal utilization of public assets within the Union Territory’s administrative framework. The delay in implementing a uniform policy, despite committee recommendations, raises questions about bureaucratic inertia and the government’s commitment to reform in this area. The Speaker’s intervention signals a strong legislative push to address what is perceived as an outdated and potentially wasteful practice, aiming to streamline vehicle management and ensure equitable distribution of resources.
The “One Officer-One Vehicle” policy, if implemented effectively, could lead to substantial savings in fuel, maintenance, and procurement costs for the government. It also aligns with principles of good governance and fiscal prudence, ensuring that public funds are utilized judiciously. The exceptions outlined in the draft policy, such as security needs and operational demands, are standard in many administrative systems, but their application needs to be transparent and justifiable to prevent potential loopholes. The continued reliance on multiple vehicles for officers handling additional portfolios suggests a need for better coordination and resource sharing mechanisms within departments. The government’s assurance to examine the issue is a step forward, but the urgency expressed by the Speaker indicates that a swift and decisive action is expected by the legislative body.
The current situation, where multiple vehicles are reportedly allocated to individual officers, contradicts the general push towards austerity and efficient resource management in government operations. The Speaker’s pointed questions during the Assembly session underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in the allocation and use of government assets. The Transport Minister’s response, while acknowledging the issue, points to the complexities of addressing long-standing administrative practices. The proposed revised vehicle policy aims to address these concerns by establishing clear guidelines and principles for vehicle allotment, thereby promoting a more standardized and equitable approach. The government’s commitment to resolving this matter during the current Assembly session will be closely watched, as it has implications for public perception of administrative efficiency and fiscal responsibility within Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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