Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather has concluded the review and finalization of arrangements for the upcoming autumn session of the Assembly. The session is slated to commence in Srinagar on September 21. The Speaker chaired a meeting with senior officials to underscore the necessity of close coordination, meticulous advance planning, and a high degree of administrative readiness from all involved departments for the successful conduct of the proceedings. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the forthcoming autumn session, though brief, carries substantial responsibilities, and every aspect of the arrangements must be given due importance. Speaker Rather cautioned the officers against neglecting minor issues, emphasizing that even small oversights could escalate into significant problems if not addressed promptly.
During the detailed discussions, particular emphasis was placed on security measures. The Speaker directed the relevant authorities to implement comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements at the Assembly Secretariat and the MLA Hostel. This directive also included maintaining close coordination among all security and administrative agencies to ensure a secure environment. In his review of legislative business, Speaker Rather instructed the General Administration Department to ensure that all government departments submit their replies to Assembly questions within the prescribed timelines. He further requested departments to designate nodal officers to facilitate effective coordination with the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, streamlining the flow of information and administrative tasks.
The Speaker also addressed the technological requirements for the session, directing the Information Technology Department to guarantee uninterrupted Wi-Fi and internet connectivity, along with other essential technical support throughout the duration of the session. This measure aims to ensure that legislators and staff have seamless access to digital resources, facilitating efficient legislative work. Furthermore, the Speaker highlighted the importance of effective traffic management in and around the Assembly premises and other identified areas. The objective is to minimize disruption to public movement during the session, ensuring that daily life in the vicinity remains as unaffected as possible.
Regarding civic and utility services, Speaker Rather issued directives to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) and Power Development Department (PDD) to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water and electricity. These essential services are critical for the smooth functioning of the Assembly complex and the comfort of those attending. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was tasked with maintaining proper sanitation and cleanliness within and around the Assembly complex and the MLA Hostel, contributing to a healthy and organized environment. The Health and AYUSH Departments were instructed to make adequate arrangements, including the provision of medical and AYUSH facilities, to cater to the convenience of legislators, staff, and visitors throughout the session.
The Information Department received specific instructions to ensure comprehensive media and press arrangements for the coverage of the Assembly proceedings. This includes coordinating all media-related activities during the session, ensuring that the public is kept informed about the legislative discussions and decisions. The Speaker’s proactive approach in reviewing these diverse arrangements underscores the commitment to a well-organized and productive autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The emphasis on inter-departmental coordination and meticulous planning is intended to preempt any potential logistical challenges and ensure that the legislative agenda can be pursued effectively in a secure and conducive environment.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.