SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather convened a high-level meeting at the Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday to review arrangements for the upcoming Assembly session, scheduled to commence on October 23, 2025.
During the meeting, the Speaker directed officers from various departments to ensure all necessary preparations and facilities are in place to facilitate a smooth conduct of the session. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts, saying, “It is our collective responsibility to ensure the smooth functioning of the assembly and all departments have to be prepared in advance in this regard.”
The Speaker instructed the General Administration Department to ensure Assembly Question replies reach the Secretariat on time and asked the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to forward Government Bills promptly. He also called on the Information Department to provide adequate media coverage, technical support, and logistical arrangements, including public address systems and microphones.
The Information Technology Department was tasked with ensuring high-speed internet and Wi-Fi, along with installation of routers where necessary. Security agencies were directed to deploy sufficient staff well-versed in parliamentary protocols to safeguard legislators.
Speaker Rather also called on the Estates Department to expedite repair and renovation work in the Assembly Hall and VIP Chambers, install intercom facilities, and verify existing telephone connections. Measures to regulate traffic near the Assembly Complex, MLA Hostel, and Civil Secretariat were also emphasised to minimise inconvenience to the public.
The Jal Shakti Department was asked to ensure regular water supply to the Assembly complex and MLA hostels, while the Power Development Department was instructed to check transmission lines to guarantee uninterrupted electricity. Srinagar Municipal Corporation was directed to maintain cleanliness across Assembly and hostel premises.
Further directions included advance arrangements for medical support, fire safety, cafeteria services, hospitality for members and staff, and restoration of telecommunication facilities in VIP chambers. The Speaker emphasised strict adherence to all protocol measures to ensure the safety of stakeholders and seamless functioning throughout the session.
