People want solutions, not disruptions
Jammu Tawi, Feb 2:
Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday called for cooperation from all members to ensure the smooth conduct of the Budget session, urging them to maintain dignity and avoid unnecessary confrontations while expressing differing views, adding that he will not tolerate indiscipline in the House.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Rather said that differences have space in democracy, but they must be expressed in a dignified manner. “There was a time when people would come to know about proceedings the next day through newspapers. Today, they are watching us live in their homes. We should not humiliate or disrespect each other,” he added.
He said that people expect resolution of their problems in the Assembly. “People want solutions, not disruptions. You cannot satisfy them by creating disturbances. Constituents are watching how you are raising their problems,” Rather said.
The Speaker assured the members that enough time will be given to them to raise their issues during the budget session.
He announced that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) has decided that the first part of the budget will have two sittings.
He said that he will not tolerate indiscipline in the House. “My role is to maintain discipline in the House, and I will not allow indiscipline,” Rather said.
Addressing the House shortly after tabling the Lieutenant Governor’s address, Rather assured members that they would be given adequate time to speak during the 27-day Budget session, which will have two daily sittings in its first phase until February 19. He encouraged members to use the session to raise public issues from their respective constituencies and seek redressal from the government.
“This House represents the hopes, aspirations, and trust of the people who have elected us. Serving them is both a privilege and a serious responsibility,” the Speaker said, describing the Budget session as extremely valuable.
He added that as the first part of the session concludes on February 19, maximum budget-related work should be completed by then. According to rules, the House can sit until 5 pm, and efforts would be made to accommodate as many members as possible during discussions.
“This is the one opportunity to present constituency issues before the government and seek solutions. People want solutions, not disruptions,” Rather said, terming disruptions unacceptable in any form. He noted that interruptions and disorder disappoint the public.
Referring to his long legislative experience since 1977, the Speaker said noise and disorder do not satisfy constituents. He urged members to raise issues using polite language, decency, and ethical conduct, reminding them that public money is spent on convening sessions.
He warned against giving people the impression that their representatives only create disorder instead of addressing public concerns. While stating that maintaining discipline in the House is his responsibility, Rather said he would not tolerate attempts to disrupt order but hoped strict action would never be necessary.
“We represent nearly one lakh people each and must set an example of discipline and responsible debate,” he added.
House adjourned after obituary references
Jammu Tawi, Feb 2: The Jammu Kashmir Assembly was adjourned for the day on Monday after obituary references to two veteran leaders who passed away recently.
The Budget session of the Assembly commenced with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, followed by an obituary reference by the Speaker on the demise of former MLA Ghulam Mohammad Khan (82) of Baramulla and former MLC Khawaja Ghulam Mohammad Lone (100) of Budgam.
Rather paid rich tributes to the two leaders, who died in November and December last year. The members then observed a two-minute silence before the House was adjourned for the day.
Departing from past practice, only Rather spoke on the obituary reference.
He said the Business Advisory Committee had decided to adopt the parliamentary procedure on obituary references, implementing a suggestion made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the last session.
“In Parliament, when a former Member of Parliament passes away, only the Speaker presents the obituary reference and no other member participates in the discussion. However, if a sitting member passes away, the entire House is given time to speak and the House is adjourned. This is the established parliamentary practice,” he said.
LA staff protests alleged misbehaviour by ODS
Jammu Tawi, Feb 2: Alleged misbehaviour by the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Speaker with a senior staff member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly sparked protests here on Monday.
According to the details, employees assembled within the premises and condemned the act. “Disrespect and humiliation are unacceptable,” they said.
The protesting employees alleged that during an interaction, the OSD misbehaved with a senior employee. “It’s unfortunate that a senior officer holding such an important position behaved in such a manner,” they added.
Protesters demanded appropriate action against the officer concerned.
