SRINAGAR: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Monday convened a meeting with the chairpersons of the recently formed House Committees, urging them to work diligently in coordination with the Assembly Secretariat to ensure the effective functioning of their respective panels.
Chairing the meeting in Srinagar, the Speaker briefed heads of all nine Financial and Other Committees about their roles and responsibilities as laid out in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the J&K Assembly.
Emphasising the significance of legislative oversight, Rather called upon the Committee heads to actively contribute towards creating a culture of accountability and transparency in governance. “You must play a proactive role in ensuring that the executive is held accountable and provide a platform for the citizens to voice their concerns,” the Speaker said.
He assured that the Assembly Secretariat would extend all necessary assistance to the Committees, and expressed confidence that departments such as the Advocate General’s Office, General Administration Department (GAD), and the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Department would also play a pivotal role in supporting and implementing the Committees’ recommendations.
The Speaker further highlighted the need to uphold the dignity and decorum of the Committees during proceedings.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts Sham Lal Sharma; Chairperson of the Committee on Estimates Shamim Firdous; Chairman of the Committee on Public Undertakings Ali Mohammad Sagar; Chairman of the Ethics Committee Surjeet Singh Slathia; Chairman of the Committee on Privileges Nizam-ud-din Bhat; Chairman of the Committee on Government Assurances Sajad Gani Lone; Chairman of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation Hasnain Masoodi; and Chairman of the Committee on Petitions Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah. Each shared their inputs to enhance the effectiveness of their respective Committees.
Also present were Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju; Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Manoj Pandita; Deputy Accountant General J&K; Special Secretary Law; and officers of the Assembly Secretariat.
