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MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. Made Trade rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller. This story originally appeared on Made Trade and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
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Jammu, Nov 30: Legislative Assembly of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in its maiden session, which lasted five days from November 4 to 8, 2024 in Srinagar, moved and passed a resolution seeking restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees. The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, on November 6 under supplementary list of business, “reaffirmed the importance of special status, constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” Expressing concern over their (special status, constitutional guarantees) “unilateral removal”, the resolution read, “This (J&K) Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of people of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to workout constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.” “This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution, seconded by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Masood Itoo, read. The resolution, seeking restoration of Article 370 and 35-A in a very subtle expression, was passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly amid violent protest by 28 MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As anticipated earlier, the resolution created flutters across political spectrum, though its aftermath also saw dissonance among Kashmir based parties over “its (resolution’s) ambiguous and subtle expression (by not directly referring to Article 370 and 35-A).” This created a kind of discord between the alliance partners National Conference and the Congress as well after the latter interpreted it (resolution) as a reiteration of demand for restoration of statehood and not for restoration of “Article 370, 35-A” as the former (NC) insisted. “For Congress, following the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370 and 35-A, the only issue pending is that of restoration of statehood, exclusive rights of locals over land and jobs and this was what this resolution emphasised,” was Congress leaders’ interpretation. Nevertheless, resolution spiralled into a controversy, which found its resonance across the country. While local BJP leadership protested against it tooth and nail in J&K, describing it as “an affront to the spirit of Constitution, Parliament and also the contempt of (Supreme) court”, top BJP leadership exploited this issue to the hilt in two poll-bound states, mainly Maharashtra. This not only put Congress on the defensive but also helped BJP bag a stunning victory in Maharashtra. It was notable that the J&K Legislative Assembly, in the absence of new Business Rules, conducted its business, in its maiden session under UT status, as per the rules existing in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather too had stated it, while presiding over the proceedings, quoting provision in J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 enabling House (Assembly) to run as per the rules of erstwhile J&K till the framing of new rules. As the controversy erupted over resolution passed in J&K Legislative Assembly (LA) regarding special status and constitutional guarantees, dubbed as “illegal and unconstitutional” by BJP’s national as well as J&K leadership, it also raised another interesting proposition. Could J&K LA move, pass resolution on special status, had business rules on Puducherry model (which formed the premise of J&K UT’s governance model) been in place? Question finds its genesis in “The Administrator’s Rules for the Pondicherry Legislative Assembly.” Under its Part II, dealing with “Prohibition of discussion of certain matters”, Rule 5 stipulates “Restrictions on resolutions.” According to Rule 5 (1), no resolution “shall be moved which relates to any matter which affects the discharge of the functions of the Administrator in so far as he is required by the Act to act in his discretion.” According to sub rule (2), if the “Speaker is of the opinion that a resolution or any part of a resolution is or may be one which cannot be moved because it is prohibited under sub-rule (1), he shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of the resolution, forward to the Administrator a copy thereof and, unless the Administrator (whose decision in the matter shall be final) decides that the resolution may be moved, it shall not be entered in the List of Business.” As per sub-rule (3), “Notwithstanding the fact that the Speaker has made no reference under sub-rule (2), if the Administrator, acting in his discretion, decides that any resolution or any part of a resolution is one which cannot be moved because it is prohibited under sub-rule (1), he may communicate his decision (which shall be final) to the Speaker, and on such communication, the resolution shall not be entered in the List of Business or, if it has been so entered, the Speaker shall decline to allow the resolution to be moved.” Sub-rule (4) stipulates, “If any doubt arises whether any resolution of which notice has been given or any part thereof is or is not within the prohibition imposed by sub-rule (1), the Administrator shall, acting in his discretion, decide the point and his decision shall be final.” Almost similar restrictions are in place on “questions” to be asked (in LA), under Rule 4. It is pertinent to mention here that the rules for J&K Legislative Assembly, to facilitate its functioning under new setup, too are yet to be framed.Slamming opposition parties for propaganda against the BJP-led NDA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that they have “crushed” the spirit of the Constitution and rejected all norms of democracy. PM Modi, addressing party workers in Bhubaneswar, also said that the opposition has only one aim, “to somehow capture power by misleading people”. “Those who consider power as their birthright have not been in power at the Centre for the last decade,” he said in an apparent dig at the opposition. The prime minister said it is quite natural that there would be ideological differences among political parties on different issues, and that they have the right to express their views and resort to agitations. “During my tenure as Chief Minister and PM, I saw different colours of politics. I admit that a constructive opposition is normal in a democracy. There can be differences of opinion on any decision,” he said. PM Modi said everyone, however, can now feel a big difference in the manner protests are organised. “The spirit of the Constitution is crushed and all the norms of democracy are rejected.” The PM said that from the very beginning, the opposition parties were not ready to accept the fact that people gave their mandate to the BJP-led NDA. “Denied of power for the last decade, such parties are now filled with so much anger that they do not hesitate to conspire against the country and its people. They are misleading people with ‘jhoot aur afwah ki dukan’ (lies and rumours),” he said. PM Modi noted that such false propaganda is a big challenge for people of India, and BJP workers and “those who love the country and respect the Constitution should be more alert and vigilant to foil such attempts and expose the lies”. He also said the BJP dedicatedly worked for the development of Odisha even when the party was not in power in the eastern state. “The Odisha poll results surprised many big political experts, who had completely rejected the idea of BJP forming government in the state... BJP’s election success in Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra has created a new confidence in the entire country. This is the specialty of BJP and the capability of our workers,” asserted PM Modi. The BJP respects and gives priority to the rich culture and tradition of Odisha, he said. “I am happy that due to the efforts of the BJP, Odisha’s tribal daughter Droupadi Murmu ji is the President of the country today. This has boosted the confidence of daughters from all sections of society. Her journey will inspire many generations to come,” the PM said. On the All India DGP/IGP Conference that got underway in Bhubaneswar, he said it is being held in Odisha for the first time, though the event has been taking place since the British period. “We want to give priority to Odisha not only in the country but also on the world map,” he said, adding that after the BJP formed government in the state, it has implemented the National Education Policy and other central schemes. Besides, ‘Operation Demonstration, 2024′ will be organised in Puri on the occasion of Navy Day on December 4, and the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10. PM Modi said the BJP government has also started fulfilling the promises made during the election. “The state has launched the ‘Subhadra Yojana’, which will be a symbol of women empowerment. Under the scheme, the government promises to provide ₹ 50,000 to one crore women in five years. Similarly, the government has started procuring paddy at a price of ₹ 3,100 per quintal as was promised,” he said.
Trump and Republicans in Congress eye an ambitious 100-day agenda, starting with tax cutsMcGill runs for 2TDs and North Texas becomes bowl eligible by beating Temple 24-17In a span of 30 years, SM Prime Holdings (PSE: SMPH) has become a dominant force in the Philippine property sector, driven by its iconic SM malls and the market-leading developments of SM Development Corporation (SMDC). Tracing its origins back to a small shoe store founded by Henry Sy, Sr. in downtown Manila, SMPH has grown into one of the most valuable firms in the country and a leading integrated property developer in Southeast Asia. Beyond its impressive scale, SM Prime stands as a bellwether for the Philippines—its progression following the same arc as the nation’s economic and social advancement. Turning Headwinds into Headway In the 1990s, the Philippines posted an average real GDP growth rate of 2.8% per year, owing to political instability, natural disasters and the Asian Financial Crisis. During the same period, average lending interest rate was over 19%, reflecting the broader economic challenges faced by the country. Against this backdrop, the SM Group founded and listed SMPH in July 1994 to organize and expand its chain of shopping malls. At the time, it only had four in its portfolio: SM North EDSA, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM Megamall and SM City Cebu. After raising nearly P6 billion from the capital market, SM Prime aggressively expanded its mall network, cementing its position as the country’s largest mall operator and securing a spot in the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) since October 1994. Reorganizing for Growth Entering its second decade as a listed company, SM Prime led a transformative consolidation that altered the course of its growth trajectory. Through a series of well-executed transactions, the SM Group unified its sprawling real estate interests under SM Prime, effectively turning the mall operator into a property conglomerate. The entire process, from announcement to final regulatory approval, took l ess than five months. Its speed and ingenuity earned SM Prime the “Most Innovative Deal” award from the financial publication Alpha Southeast Asia. Post-consolidation, SMPH’s market capitalization surged 133% to P950 billion by the close of 2023, up from approximately PHP 408 billion in 2013. Setting Records Since its reorganization, SM Prime has consistently pushed boundaries in value generation. In 2017, the property titan made history as the first company on the PSE to reach a P1 trillion market capitalization, closing at P1.01 trillion on June 9. SM Prime also crossed key milestones in revenue recognition, surpassing the P104 billion mark in 2018 and recording P128 billion in 2023, its highest to date. Over the last 10 years, its annual net income has expanded by 146% from P16 billion to a record high of P40 billion in 2023, the highest among its listed peers. The company is poised to break another profit record in 2024, with first-half earnings surging 13% to P22 billion, up from P19 billion a year earlier. Beyond Profitability SM Prime’s growth transcends financial metrics and shareholder returns. It has been a catalyst for national progress—creating jobs, contributing tax revenues, building communities and advancing sustainable urbanization across the Philippines. “As SM Prime marks its 30th anniversary, our focus remains on innovation and sustainability. With the strong foundation we’ve built, we believe our best projects are still to come,” said SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim. “We have integrated project developments in our five-year pipeline, which we expect will drive the company to a new level of growth,” he added. Being business-savvy should be fun, attainable and A+. BMPlus is BusinessMirror's digital arm with practical tips & success stories for aspiring and thriving millennial entrepreneurs.
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Dubai [UAE], : With uncertainty looming over the future of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that hosting the tournament in a hybrid model is "definitely not the formula" but if a new way is formed it will be an "equal one." The Board of Control for Cricket in India made its stance clear about not travelling to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. On the other hand, the PCB has been firm about hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan. Total Match 111 Total Runs 3284 Highest Score 128 runs Total Match 115 Total Runs 3127 Highest Score 96 runs Total Match 50 Total Runs 1326 Highest Score 104 runs Wickets 3 Best Bowling 2/29 Total Match 65 Total Runs 29 Highest Score 10 runs Wickets 76 Best Bowling 5/32 Total Match 260 Total Runs 37 Highest Score 8 runs Wickets 205 Best Bowling 5/40 Total Match 107 Total Runs 3582 Highest Score 124 runs Total Match 132 Total Runs 4683 Highest Score 132 runs Total Match 104 Total Runs 83 Highest Score 17 runs Wickets 121 Best Bowling 4/18 Total Match 35 Total Runs 195 Highest Score 27 runs Wickets 46 Best Bowling 3/15 Total Match 12 Total Runs - Highest Score - Wickets 12 Best Bowling 3/24 Total Match 93 Total Runs 109 Highest Score 14 runs Wickets 93 Best Bowling 4/21 Total Match 41 Total Runs 105 Highest Score 29 runs Wickets 51 Best Bowling 4/15 Total Match 21 Total Runs 653 Highest Score 89 runs Total Match 105 Total Runs 2644 Highest Score 99 runs Wickets - Best Bowling - Total Match 40 Total Runs 730 Highest Score 49 runs On Friday, the International Cricket Council held a meeting with all the members to decide the fate of the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan next year. On Saturday, Naqvi maintained Pakistan's stance and dismissed the idea of organising the tournament in a hybrid model while suggesting a new formula could be formed. "We will do what's best for cricket. It's definitely not a hybrid formula, but if a new formula is formed, it will be an equal one," Naqvi told reporters, as quoted from a video posted by PCB media on X. "We will not allow one-sided decisions [...] decisions should be made based on equality," he added. https://x.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1862868411132567681 Due to strained political relations between the two nations, India has not toured Pakistan since 2008, when they participated in the Asia Cup. The two arch-rivals last played a bilateral series in 2012-13 in India, comprising white-ball matches. After that, India and Pakistan have primarily faced each other in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups. On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cited BCCI's statement about "security concerns." During the press briefing, Jaiswal stated that it is "unlikely" that the Indian team would cross the border to play in Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan has travelled to India for the 2016 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup. Naqvi stressed that both nations should be treated equally under the same rules. "This is not acceptable that one-sided things happen. Every time Pakistan cannot play in India, we comply. Both nations must be treated equally under the same rules," Naqvi asserted. On Saturday, PCB took to X and stated that Naqvi met Mubashir Usmani, the chairman of the ICC associate member committee and former secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board in Dubai. https://x.com/TheRealPCBMedia/status/1862808341187289555 "Discussion on important issues regarding the organization of the Champions Trophy tournament," PCB wrote on X. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Assets not liabilitiesUjjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], December 21 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed the Yuva Udyami Manch Summit 2024 on Saturday, and highlighted his government's achievements in promoting investment in the state. "Ever since our government was formed, we have made efforts to encourage investments by making sure that our investor summits are available even at the smallest level... In metros, we organised roadshows to promote the businesses of Madhya Pradesh," he said. Also Read | Atul Subhash-Like Case in Madhya Pradesh: Man Dies After Consuming Poisonous Substance in Khandwa, Leaves Video Blaming Wife, Another Person. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister also performed the bhoomi pujan of an IT Park worth Rs46 crores in Ujjain, underlining the state government's commitment to fostering industrial and technological growth. https://x.com/DrMohanYadav51/status/1870482108076245337 Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Hails Diaspora in Kuwait, Says ‘India Has Potential to Become Skill Capital of World’. Sharing the development on social media X (formerly known as X), the Chief Minister said, "Our endeavour is to pave the way for industrial development by creating favourable conditions for investment in Madhya Pradesh, along with promoting technology and innovation through entrepreneurship, thereby increasing employment opportunities in the field of technology." Earlier on Friday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the Nivesh Mantrana program organized by mutual fund distributors in Indore. He emphasized the importance of utilizing wealth wisely in light of future challenges and stressed the need to promote the mutual funds industry. "I am happy to attend the Nivesh Mantrana program here today. As the country progresses economically, there is a growing need to promote industries like mutual funds. "Given the challenges ahead, we must use our wealth wisely, both for personal growth and for the betterment of the country and the state," CM Yadav told reporters earlier. He also highlighted the remarkable growth of the mutual fund industry, noting that investments in mutual funds have increased from Rs 10 lakh crore in the past to Rs 68 lakh crore during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Teachers, parents have differing reactions to Santa Fe school phone policy
Jammu, Nov 30: Legislative Assembly of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in its maiden session, which lasted five days from November 4 to 8, 2024 in Srinagar, moved and passed a resolution seeking restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees. The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, on November 6 under supplementary list of business, “reaffirmed the importance of special status, constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” Expressing concern over their (special status, constitutional guarantees) “unilateral removal”, the resolution read, “This (J&K) Legislative Assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of people of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to workout constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.” “This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution, seconded by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Masood Itoo, read. The resolution, seeking restoration of Article 370 and 35-A in a very subtle expression, was passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly amid violent protest by 28 MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As anticipated earlier, the resolution created flutters across political spectrum, though its aftermath also saw dissonance among Kashmir based parties over “its (resolution’s) ambiguous and subtle expression (by not directly referring to Article 370 and 35-A).” This created a kind of discord between the alliance partners National Conference and the Congress as well after the latter interpreted it (resolution) as a reiteration of demand for restoration of statehood and not for restoration of “Article 370, 35-A” as the former (NC) insisted. “For Congress, following the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370 and 35-A, the only issue pending is that of restoration of statehood, exclusive rights of locals over land and jobs and this was what this resolution emphasised,” was Congress leaders’ interpretation. Nevertheless, resolution spiralled into a controversy, which found its resonance across the country. While local BJP leadership protested against it tooth and nail in J&K, describing it as “an affront to the spirit of Constitution, Parliament and also the contempt of (Supreme) court”, top BJP leadership exploited this issue to the hilt in two poll-bound states, mainly Maharashtra. This not only put Congress on the defensive but also helped BJP bag a stunning victory in Maharashtra. It was notable that the J&K Legislative Assembly, in the absence of new Business Rules, conducted its business, in its maiden session under UT status, as per the rules existing in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather too had stated it, while presiding over the proceedings, quoting provision in J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 enabling House (Assembly) to run as per the rules of erstwhile J&K till the framing of new rules. As the controversy erupted over resolution passed in J&K Legislative Assembly (LA) regarding special status and constitutional guarantees, dubbed as “illegal and unconstitutional” by BJP’s national as well as J&K leadership, it also raised another interesting proposition. Could J&K LA move, pass resolution on special status, had business rules on Puducherry model (which formed the premise of J&K UT’s governance model) been in place? Question finds its genesis in “The Administrator’s Rules for the Pondicherry Legislative Assembly.” Under its Part II, dealing with “Prohibition of discussion of certain matters”, Rule 5 stipulates “Restrictions on resolutions.” According to Rule 5 (1), no resolution “shall be moved which relates to any matter which affects the discharge of the functions of the Administrator in so far as he is required by the Act to act in his discretion.” According to sub rule (2), if the “Speaker is of the opinion that a resolution or any part of a resolution is or may be one which cannot be moved because it is prohibited under sub-rule (1), he shall, as soon as may be after the receipt of the resolution, forward to the Administrator a copy thereof and, unless the Administrator (whose decision in the matter shall be final) decides that the resolution may be moved, it shall not be entered in the List of Business.” As per sub-rule (3), “Notwithstanding the fact that the Speaker has made no reference under sub-rule (2), if the Administrator, acting in his discretion, decides that any resolution or any part of a resolution is one which cannot be moved because it is prohibited under sub-rule (1), he may communicate his decision (which shall be final) to the Speaker, and on such communication, the resolution shall not be entered in the List of Business or, if it has been so entered, the Speaker shall decline to allow the resolution to be moved.” Sub-rule (4) stipulates, “If any doubt arises whether any resolution of which notice has been given or any part thereof is or is not within the prohibition imposed by sub-rule (1), the Administrator shall, acting in his discretion, decide the point and his decision shall be final.” Almost similar restrictions are in place on “questions” to be asked (in LA), under Rule 4. It is pertinent to mention here that the rules for J&K Legislative Assembly, to facilitate its functioning under new setup, too are yet to be framed.
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