Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 31: The nine-day autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly concluded today with Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourning the House sine die, after what he described as “unprecedented participation” from members.
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The session, which comprised only six sittings, recorded 97 issues raised during the Zero Hour and 682 questions admitted for discussion.
“This much time has never been taken by the members before in the Zero Hour,” the Speaker said in his concluding remarks at the end of the House proceedings.
“I congratulate all of you. You found new ways to raise your issues, and we, on our part, showed patience. This system will only improve further,” he added.
According to details shared by the Assembly Secretariat, the Government introduced and passed five bills during the session.
Also, a total of 13 private members’ bills were received, in addition to 33 pending from previous sessions. Of the 41 listed, eight were taken up, while the remaining will be considered in the next session.
The Speaker informed that a total of 732 questions were received – 394 starred and 338 unstarred – of which 682 were admitted.
“No question was withdrawn,” he said, adding that 29 questions were answered, 73 supplementary questions were taken up, and three were not listed.
During the session, 67 calling attention motions were received, of which 26 were disallowed and 10 listed. A total of 57 private members’ resolutions were received; 40 were admitted, 17 disallowed, and seven selected through balloting.
Two resolutions were taken up, with one passed – a rarity, the Speaker noted, as “private members’ resolutions are seldom passed.”
The Speaker thanked members, media, and Assembly staff for their cooperation and said that though the Srinagar session is short, he tried his best to accommodate everyone.
“Some time was wasted, and members should take note of it for the next session. Time must be used more effectively.”
He further said that efforts were made to make the system more accommodative and participatory. “I tried to accommodate all members in the discussions in an objective manner.”
The Speaker further urged the members to continue working to meet the expectations of the people.
He also informed the members about the shortage of staff in the Assembly Secretariat and despite that, he said, the House proceedings were ensured in an efficient manner.
“We are functioning with only half the sanctioned strength,” he said. “Many officials retired in the last ten years when democratic institutions were not elected. Despite that, they have managed the proceedings well, and I have assured them their issues will be addressed.”
Minister Sakeena Itoo thanked the Speaker for “efficiently conducting” the proceedings, stressing that members made every effort to hold the Government accountable.
“The Chief Minister gave considerable time to the House despite other engagements and personally answered several questions. The Assembly has discharged its duties well,” she said.
BJP MLA Surjit Singh Salathia, while lauding the Speaker for his conduct, urged members to refrain from making remarks that could hurt the sentiments of others.
“All MLAs were accommodated, and everyone got a chance to speak; we must ensure that debates remain within the rules of the House and that no one’s sentiments are hurt,” he said.
“There should be no Hindu or Muslim here – we are all equal. My religion is mine, and yours is yours; no one has the right to issue certificates to anyone,” he added.
He stressed that opposition is meant to corner the Government and that the Government should not take it otherwise. “A strong Government listens to the opposition.”
MLA Nizamuddin Bhat emphasized the need to maintain the dignity of the House, noting that every member has made sincere efforts to fulfill their responsibilities.
CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami stressed the need for longer sittings, stressing that there were many questions and issues members wanted to raise.
“In the next session, time should be extended, perhaps till evening as in Parliament.” He also called for “love and affection from both sides,” adding, “Jammu is mine, Kashmir is yours – we have to move in that direction (addressing opposition benches).”
Tarigami also urged the media to play its role responsibly. “The media has rights, which we fully support, but with rights come responsibilities,” he said.
MLA Mubarak Gul while expressing satisfaction over the productive session said that MLAs were able to raise all important issues through Calling Attention Motions, Question Hour and Zero Hour.
He urged that the concerns and suggestions discussed in the House should translate into concrete action, ensuring meaningful outcomes for the public.
MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para appreciated the Speaker for accommodating all voices in the House and thanked him for providing space for diverse opinions.
He said that although institutions may be weak, the Assembly remains the forum where elected representatives can raise their voices on behalf of the people.
MLA Farooq Shah observed that people expect their elected representatives to register their grievances in the House and thanked the Speaker for conducting the proceedings effectively.
The legislators appreciated the Assembly Secretariat, security personnel and media representatives for their cooperation throughout the session.
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