JAMMU, Jan 30: Most of the upcoming budget session of the Legislature, beginning February 2, will be held in double sittings to give MLAs ample time to raise their issues and seek responses from the Government.
Party leaders had previously expressed concerns over limited time during sessions and requested extended timings from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the possibility of further extension if required. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather reportedly assured them that the majority of the session would be conducted in double sittings.
The assurance came during the All Party-cum-Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by the Speaker at the Assembly Secretariat on Friday afternoon.
While Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma could not attend due to his responsibilities in the Assam Assembly elections, he was represented by BJP leader Surjit Singh Slathia, former Minister.
Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader GA Mir told Excelsior that most leaders from various parties suggested extending the House’s timings during the budget session to allow legislators adequate time to raise their concerns and obtain responses from the Government.
“Grants of a Minister are passed in a single day, and one Minister often holds charge of five to six Ministries. How can MLAs and Ministers do justice to their work with such limited time?” Mir said. He recommended that the entire budget session be held in double sittings from 10 AM to 5 PM, with further extensions if required. The Speaker agreed that most of the session would follow this format.
Veteran CPM leader and five-time MLA MY Tarigami also highlighted timing as a key issue and urged that the entire session be held in double sittings to make it productive and ensure accountability from the Government. “The Speaker assured us that this will be done,” he said.
Tarigami added that the Speaker appealed to all parties to ensure the Question Hour runs smoothly, as it addresses many people-centric issues. Political parties assured the Speaker that they would cooperate.
The meeting included representatives from the ruling National Conference, Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul, PDP member Mir Fayyaz, and Independent MLA from Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram.
“The Members should carry out healthy debates and discussions, which are the essence of democracy, while maintaining discipline. Any disruption undermines the dignity of the House and sends the wrong message to the public. MLAs should serve as role models for society,” Speaker Rather said.
Members also made suggestions to make the session more effective, including improving parking facilities, restricting entry to the lobby and canteen for public use, and designating areas exclusively for Members. The Speaker assured that necessary directions had already been issued to relevant departments.
A separate area at the main entrance of the Assembly Secretariat will be designated for media interactions and interviews, with the lobby and Central Hall reserved solely for Members.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Secretary, Manoj Kumar Pandita, along with other senior officers, attended the meeting.
The budget session will commence on February 2 with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, followed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presenting his second budget on February 6. The session will continue until April 4, with a break from February 20 to March 26 for Ramzan and Navratras, totaling 22 sittings—15 in the first half and seven in the second. (Agencies)
