‘House shouldn’t be taken lightly’
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today suggested adopting the procedure followed in Parliament for obituary references to save the time of the House.
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Speaking during the obituary references on the first day of the Legislative Assembly session here, Omar stressed the need to reform the way the House functions by adopting the Parliamentary procedure and moving quickly to the listed business.
As per the suggested change, the Speaker would move the obituary reference without speeches from members, followed by a brief silence to pay tribute to those who have passed away. “Why can’t we bring a change in the way we work,” he asked.
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He said that after the brief silence, the House should move directly to the Question Hour-unless a sitting member has passed away. “If there is a sitting member, then the House is adjourned for the day,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that when he was in Parliament, the procedure was the same as in the Assembly, but it was later changed for better use of time.
He noted that instead of members making long speeches and repeating the same points, the proposed change would ensure more efficient use of the House’s time.
“At times, unwanted words creep in and it turns political. We are politicians and we bring politics everywhere. To prevent this, it would be better if the Speaker reads the obituary reference, we observe a one-minute silence, and then start the Question Hour,” he said.
“This would be the best tribute-to continue our work while remembering them in a dignified manner. It was my suggestion; rest is up to you as the custodian of the House,” he added.
Responding to this, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the Chief Minister’s argument carried “weight” and would be seriously considered.
“We will think about it and inform you of the decision we take. There is merit in these arguments,” he said.
The Speaker added, “We will also try to implement the procedure that is in place in Parliament and adopt it here in the Legislative Assembly.”
Meanwhile, the issue of non-communication of names of legislators who passed away since the last session came into focus after the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, failed to convey the name of former MLA Mohammad Sultan Pandithpori, who died recently, to the Assembly Secretariat.
Expressing displeasure, the Speaker termed it an example of “irresponsibility.”
“There should be action. In Kupwara, it was stated that the information was nil from the district. He was a person of influence,” he said, directing the Chief Secretary to take action.
On the issue of missing Pandithpori’s name, the Chief Minister said that it was a “mistake” and said the House should not be taken “lightly.”
He said an explanation should be sought from the concerned authorities for the lapse, as he extended apologies to Pandithpori’s family.
“I extend my sincere apologies to the family of Muhammad Sultan Pandithpori on behalf of the Government. His name should not have been missed; it should not have happened,” Abdullah said.
Addressing the Speaker, he added, “You have taken note of it, and I hope the Chief Secretary has heard this. I want an explanation as to why this name was not provided if the district was asked for information.”
Pandithpuri, he said, was a known political figure. “He was 90 and had been in politics since the Plebiscite Front days. His name should not have been missed-this is a mistake,” he said.
“You have also mentioned that some districts did not respond to the information sought. This is not acceptable. The House cannot be taken lightly. I hope the Chief Secretary will seek an explanation in this matter,” he added.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia also raised concern over missing names of deceased legislators and suggested that the Department of Information be assigned the responsibility of informing the Assembly Secretariat in such cases.
MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, while speaking during the obituary references, urged the Chief Minister to constitute a committee to identify families of former legislators living in difficult conditions.
“Not all, but some families of former legislators are living in poor conditions. There is a need to look into these cases and ensure they receive necessary assistance,” he said.
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