Directs Ministers to attend House fully prepared
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 4: National Conference (NC) leader, former Finance Minister and seven-time MLA from Charar-e-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, was today elected as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
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On the first day of the session, Rather addressed lawmakers, especially newcomers, urging them to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing the House. He also directed Ministers to attend the House fully prepared.
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He was elected after the Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election, Javed Ahmad Dar, moved a motion. The NC MLA from Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju, seconded the motion, and Rather was elected Speaker unanimously through a voice vote. The session was conducted by Pro-tem Speaker, Mubarak Gul.
Leader of the House and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah congratulated Rather, describing him as a “natural choice for the post due to his vast experience.”
Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir, CPI(M) MLA from Kulgam M Y Tarigami, People’s Conference MLA from Handwara Sajad Lone, and PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para from Pulwama also congratulated Rather on assuming the Speaker’s chair.
Speaking after LG Manoj Sinha’s address and following his election as Speaker, Rather emphasized that the primary responsibility of members is to hold the executive accountable, but without “dishonouring” any Minister or officer.
“You have to seek accountability, and I will assist you in that,” he said. “The Speaker is the custodian of the House and the protector of your rights. I will also work to make the administration accountable.”
Calling for respect for the people’s mandate, Rather said that the actions of MLAs should align with the aspirations of the citizens who have placed their faith in them through their vote.
He highlighted that people have been waiting for an elected Government for a long time and expect results, which he stressed would only come if members adhere to established norms.
“Our issues are collective, and it is our duty to address them. The public, which have long awaited an elected Government, expects results. We can only deliver by following procedures and guidelines. Otherwise, it will just be noise that no one pays attention to,” he added.
The Speaker noted that 51 members have entered the House for the first time and can become effective legislators by learning the rules and regulations governing the House.
“You need to study Parliamentary conventions. If you do so, you will become successful legislators. In the past, we’ve seen some members who started as novices but worked hard and proved their worth,” he said.
He also requested Ministers to come prepared by reviewing the list of businesses and urged members to do the same. “The same goes for members, who should also come prepared to the House.”
Rather emphasized the need for a cordial atmosphere in the House, mentioning that at times, members may also face his questions.
“Whenever I find a member-whether from the treasury benches or the opposition-unable to handle supplementary questions effectively, I may intervene. Sometimes, you will also have to answer my questions.”
He expressed concern about a “trend” in the country where legislators waste time with noise and commotion, warning that such behaviour might necessitate action according to House rules. “I hope you won’t give me a reason to take such action,” he added.
Rather also directed his Secretariat to provide members with copies of the old rules and the J&K Reorganization Act 2019, along with commentary.
“Please review both, as this will enable you to function effectively here. We are not against anyone, and I will listen to everyone. You may act freely within the rules, but once you step outside them, we will ensure appropriate action is taken,” he said.
Reflecting on his background, Rather stated that while he belonged to a political party for 50 years and has been a member of its working committee for 45 years, he no longer aligns with any political party after taking the Speaker’s chair.
“I belong to all of you now; I won’t play a partisan role, and I will demonstrate that through my conduct. I will not take dictation from anyone but will adhere strictly to the Constitution and the rules.”
The Speaker urged members to “forget bitterness” and work towards building the Jammu and Kashmir “of our dreams, where no one has tears in their eyes, and where communal harmony prevails.”
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