SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to adopt a more efficient system for paying obituary references during proceedings, similar to the practice followed in the Indian Parliament, to prevent time loss during sessions.
Speaking on the first day of the autumn session, Omar said that when he first attended Parliament, multiple members used to talk after the Speaker gave obituary references. However, he noted that the system has since changed, and now only the Speaker delivers references, followed by discussion only if a sitting MLA or MP has passed away in the intervening period.
He suggested that the same system be implemented in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. “Only the Speaker should speak. After that, the question-and-answer session should start so that time is not wasted,” Omar said.
Responding to his remarks, the Speaker acknowledged that Omar’s suggestion carried merit, assuring that the matter would be considered and a decision communicated later.
The Assembly was subsequently adjourned for the day.
