| In accordance with
the traditions of my dynasty I have, from time to time, provided for increasing
association of my people with the administration of the State with the
object of realising the goal of full Responsible Government at as early
a date as possible and in pursuance of that object have, by the Jammu and
Kashmir Constitution Act of 1996 (xiv of 1996) established a Constitutional
Government with a Council of Ministers, a Legislature with a majority of
elected members and an independent Judiciary;
I have noted with gratification and
pride the progress so far made and the legitimate desire of my people for
the immediate establishment of a fully democratic constitution based on
adult franchise with a hereditary Ruler from my dynasty as the Constitutional
Head of an Executive responsible to the legislature;
I have already appointed the popular
leader of my people Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as the Head of the Emergency
Administration;
It is now my desire to replace the
Emergency Administration boa Popular Interim Government and to provide
for its powers, duties and functions, pending the formation of a fully
democratic Constitution.
I accordingly HEREBY ORDIAN AS FOLLOWS;
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My Council of Ministers shall consist
of the Prime Minister and such other Ministers as may be appointed on the
advice of the Prime Minister. I have by Royal Warrant appointed Sheikh
Mohammad Abdullah as the Prime Minister with effect from today.
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The Prime Minister and other Ministers
shall function as a Cabinet and act on the principle of joint responsibility.
A Dewan appointed by me shall also be a member of the Cabinet.
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I take this opportunity of giving once
again a solemn assurance that all sections of my people will have opportunities
of service, both civil and military, solely on the basis of their merits
and irrespective of creed or community.
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My Council of Ministers shall take appropriate
steps, as soon as restoration of normal conditions has been completed,
to convene a National Assembly based upon adult suffrage, having due regard
to the principle that the number of representatives from each voting area
should, as far as practicable, be proportionate to the population of that
area.
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The Constitution to be framed by the
National Assembly shall provide adequate safeguards for the minorities
and contain appropriate provisions guaranteeing for the freedom of conscience,
freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
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The National Assembly shall, as soon
as the work of framing the new constitution is completed, submit it through
the Council of Ministers for my acceptance.
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In conclusion I repeat the hope that
the formation of a popular Interim Government and the inauguration, in
the near future, of a fully Democratic Constitution will ensure the contentment,
happiness and the moral and material advancement of my beloved people.
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