New Chapter

After six long years, Jammu and Kashmir finally witnessed an Assembly session on Monday. It was a historic moment for J&K’s Legislative Assembly as the session was convened for the first time following the abrogation of Article 370 and reorganisation of the former state into an Union Territory. The session began on a hopeful note as in his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed the administration’s commitment to work towards restoring full statehood and ensuring constitutional safeguards for the region. A key announcement during Sinha’s address was the provision to provide 200 units of free electricity to deserving families. Sinha also emphasised the importance of infrastructure and resource management, stressing that government initiatives should ultimately serve the common people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly session also witnessed the election of Abdul Rahim Rather as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. In his acceptance speech, Rather expressed gratitude to the assembly members for electing him unanimously and acknowledged the responsibility that accompanies this role. Rather encouraged the members to maintain the dignity and integrity of the House. He emphasised the need for measured dialogue and constructive debate to ensure the effective use of time and resources. Rather urged the members to prioritise the needs of the people, especially the less privileged, and to hold the government accountable in a respectful manner. Although he has a long-standing association with the National Conference, he assured the Assembly that his responsibilities as Speaker would be fulfilled objectively and neutrally. Rather acknowledged that, while he has been part of the NC for five decades, he now considers himself a custodian of all members, transcending political affiliations to ensure fair functioning of the House. In an effort to streamline the Assembly’s proceedings, Rather pointed out the importance of adopting new rules that align with Jammu and Kashmir’s current political and administrative context. He noted that, according to the Reorganization Act passed by Parliament, the rules of conduct for the Assembly need to be framed by its members. While this will take time, Rather explained that existing rules from the former Assembly could be used temporarily, with the Speaker given the authority to make necessary modifications. Sidelining the introduction of a resolution opposing the revocation of Article 370 by the PDP member in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Rahim Rather said it did not make any sense, as there was no notice served about it to the secretary. An uproar erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when People’s Democratic Party leader Waheed Para, representing the Pulwama constituency, presented a ‘resolution’ against the revocation of Article 370 and to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, it is now hoped that the members of treasury and opposition benches raise issues related to the day-to-day problems faced by the people during the ongoing five-day session. As the session is brief, the legislators should make its optimal use and ensure that pertinent issues are raised and addressed during this period.