SRINAGAR: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, today urged representatives of all political parties and independent legislators to cooperate during the upcoming Budget Session to ensure productive deliberations.
Chairing an All-Party Meeting (APM) ahead of the Budget Session, scheduled to commence on March 3, 2025, the Speaker emphasised the need for dialogue, coordination, and consensus-building to facilitate smooth legislative proceedings.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma and Surjeet Singh Slathia represented the BJP; Mubarak Gul represented the National Conference; Ghulam Ahmad Mir represented the Indian National Congress; Mohd Yousuf Tarigami represented CPI(M); Advocate Muzaffar Iqbal Khan attended as an independent legislator, while Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra represented the Peoples Democratic Party during the meeting.
In his opening remarks, the Speaker stressed the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building for effective proceedings and the overall productivity of the House. He urged all party representatives to contribute actively to discussions and debates, as MLAs play a vital role in highlighting public welfare issues.
“The Budget Session is a crucial time for policy deliberations and financial planning. I urge all of you to engage in meaningful debates, uphold House decorum, and work towards the collective good of our people and the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” the Speaker stated.
Highlighting the significance of Question Hour, Speaker Rather encouraged legislators to make full use of this opportunity to hold the government accountable.
“Question Hour is a key tool for ensuring government accountability. Legislators must utilise this time effectively to raise public concerns and seek concrete responses,” he emphasised.
The Speaker further called upon all political parties to ensure effective coordination throughout the session. He underlined that House productivity depends on coordination between the opposition and the government in addressing public issues.
During the meeting, LoP Sunil Sharma stressed the importance of highlighting public concerns during the Assembly session, which can only be achieved through disruption-free proceedings. He noted that MLAs’ credibility is at stake during House proceedings and urged members to focus on making the government accountable rather than engaging in disruptions. He assured the Speaker that his party’s legislators would ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
In his remarks, Ghulam Ahmad Mir (INC) reiterated that Question Hour is an essential tool for holding the government accountable and must not be disrupted.
CPI(M) Legislator M Y Tarigami underlined that government accountability is only possible through the smooth conduct of House proceedings. He also called for better coordination between the government and the opposition to ensure productive and fruitful sessions.
During the meeting, NC Legislator Mubarak Gul emphasised the need to prioritise public issues in the Assembly, as legislators serve as the voice of the people during the session.
Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra (PDP) and Independent Legislator Advocate Muzaffar Iqbal Khan called for proportionate speaking time for all MLAs when raising public concerns in the House.
The Speaker assured all parties that their concerns and suggestions would be duly considered to ensure fair and impartial proceedings. He further stated that the foundation for a productive Budget Session had been laid through this constructive meeting. (GNS)
