JAMMU, Apr 1: Legislators cutting across party lines on Wednesday protested in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over the absence of bureaucrats during Question Hour, raising concerns over accountability.
The issue was raised by NC MLA Nazi Gurezi, who alleged that officers were taking the House lightly. Pointing towards the officers’ gallery, he said it used to remain full in the past, with the Chief Secretary and senior officials regularly present.
Gurezi urged the Chief Minister to take action, questioning why bureaucrats were not attending proceedings and whether they considered themselves above the legislature.
BJP legislators supported the protest, soon joined by members from NC, PDP, Congress, PC and independents, leading to a united show of concern in the House.
Intervening, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said only the top officials of departments whose questions are listed should be present, citing space constraints in the officers’ gallery.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma said rules mandate the presence of the concerned administrative secretary and suggested deferring business of departments whose officials are absent.
Another BJP legislator, Pawan Gupta, also questioned the absence, asserting that the executive is accountable to the legislature. (Agencies)
