JAMMU: To ensure adequate time for legislators to raise public issues and seek government replies, most of the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature is likely to be held in double sittings.
The decision was indicated during an all-party-cum-Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather at the Assembly Secretariat on Friday, sources said.
Party leaders across the spectrum raised concerns over limited time during previous sessions and pressed for extended House hours.
According to leaders present in the meeting, the Speaker assured that a major portion of the Budget Session, beginning February 2, would be conducted in double sittings, with timings possibly stretching from 10 am to 5 pm or beyond, if required, to ensure meaningful discussions.
Congress Legislature Party leader G.A. Mir said legislators highlighted that Ministers handling multiple portfolios get very limited time during grant discussions. CPM leader M.Y. Tarigami also stressed the need for extended sittings to make the session productive and hold the government accountable, adding that the Speaker responded positively to the demand.
During the meeting, the Speaker also appealed to all parties not to disrupt the Question Hour, terming it crucial for raising people-centric issues. Party representatives assured cooperation to allow Question Hour to function smoothly.
National Conference leaders Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul, PDP’s Mir Fayyaz, BJP leader Surjit Singh Slathia, and Independent MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram attended the meeting, among others.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of discipline and healthy debate, urging members to uphold the dignity of the House. Issues related to parking, lobby access, and media interaction areas were also discussed, with assurances given for necessary arrangements.
The Budget Session will commence on February 2 with the Lieutenant Governor’s address, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will present the Budget on February 6. The session will continue till April 4, with a break from February 20 to March 26, and will have a total of 22 sittings. (KNC)
