Kashmir pen News Bureau
SRINAGAR, October 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday proposed a procedural reform in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly aimed at saving time during sessions. He suggested adopting a practice similar to that of the Indian Parliament, where only the Speaker delivers obituary references, limiting extended discussions unless a sitting member has passed away.
Speaking on the opening day of the autumn session, Omar recalled that during his initial visits to Parliament, several members would speak following the Speaker’s obituary references. “Now, only the Speaker reads out the references, and discussion is held only if a sitting MLA or MP has passed away during the intervening period,” he noted.
He urged the Assembly to follow the same model for better time management. “Only the Speaker should speak, and after that, the question-and-answer session should begin so that valuable time is not lost,” Omar said.
Acknowledging the merit of the suggestion, the Speaker assured that the proposal would be examined and a decision communicated in due course. The House was then adjourned for the day.
— Kashmir Pen
