Autumn session of JK Assembly begins on Oct 3, Speaker holds all-party meet

SRINAGAR: The State Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta today sought cooperation of all political parties to ensure a smooth autumn session, beginning on October 3. Chairing a meet of chief whips and leaders of different political parties here, the Speaker expressed hope that all members would utilise the session judiciously to highlight issues of public interest, an official spokesperson said. Responding to suggestions on increasing business time during the session, Gupta said a decision in this regard would be taken at the Business Advisory Committee meet. Directions have already been given to the Government to ensure presence of officers during Zero Hour, he said. On suggestions by some members regarding fair reporting of the session, the Speaker said the Information Department would request mediapersons to be impartial while reporting the proceedings. He said that the media has an important role in highlighting public issues and hoped that its would discharge its duties with utmost care and responsibility. Abdul Rehman Veeri, Minister for Horticulture, Haj and Auqaf; Sajad Gani Lone, Minister for Science and Technology; Syed Basharat Bukhari, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Justice; Ali Mohammad of National Conference; Independent MLA Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen; Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami of CPI(M); Zahoor Ahmed Mir of PDP; and Rajeev Jasrotia of BJP suggested ways to make the session result-oriented. They also assured the Speaker of full cooperation in running the House in a cordial manner, the spokesperson said. The Speaker also chaired a meeting of the Press Advisory Committee to review arrangements for smooth coverage of the proceedings. Gupta said though it is a short session every political party would be given due time to raise issues of public interest. Regarding live telecast of the session, the Secretary of Legislative Assembly said that no media agencies would be allowed to telecast or broadcast the proceedings of the House live. However, TV Channels can telecast proceedings deferred live. (AGENCIES)