Jammu: Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, Tuesday assured support to media for smooth and efficient coverage of the maiden Budget Session of Omar Abdullah-led government here.
According to an official press release, the meeting was attended by Director Information, Nitish Rajora; Secretary, JKLA, Manoj Kumar Pandit; SSP Traffic, Faisal Qureshi; SSP Security Civil Secretariat, Sajjad K. Bhat; Director IT, Raman Gupta; Deputy Director Information (PR), Deepak Dubey, along with Bureau Chiefs, senior journalists, correspondents and editors from various media houses including All India Radio and Doordarshan.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on various issues concerning media professionals, focusing on ensuring hassle-free entry to the Legislative Assembly premises and smooth regulation of traffic on roads leading to the Assembly Secretariat and MLA’s Hostel, Jammu.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of taking necessary measures to prevent inconvenience to journalists covering the proceedings.
Senior journalists highlighted key concerns including designating parking spaces, provision of high-speed Wi-Fi for seamless coverage and extension of other logistical support.
Addressing these concerns, the Speaker directed the SSP Security, Civil Secretariat to make appropriate arrangements for media personnel, ensuring parking facilities at the new Assembly Complex and Zanana Park in the vicinity of the LA complex.
Further, the Speaker instructed the senior officers from JAKEGA and the IT Department to provide high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the session, ensuring uninterrupted digital access for media persons. Additionally, he directed the Information Department to coordinate between the press and the Assembly Secretariat to facilitate comprehensive coverage of the proceedings through both print and electronic media.
To enhance media accessibility, the Speaker directed the officials to install a sufficient number of microphones and Public Address Systems (PAS) within the Assembly Hall and its lawns, facilitating smooth interaction between dignitaries, legislative assembly members and the journalists. He also instructed the Secretariat to prepare and issue entry passes for journalists well in advance for their unhindered entry into the assembly complex.
Recognizing the significance of media in highlighting public issues, the Speaker sought cooperation from media houses for balanced and responsible reporting of the Budget Session. He emphasized the critical role of journalists in ensuring transparency and public awareness of legislative discussions and advised them to keep public interests paramount while disbursing their professional assignments.
Additionally, the Speaker directed the Hospitality & Protocol Department to install a Shamyana with a dais for press briefings by the MLAs and Ministers. He also instructed for keeping provision of a dedicated space for media interactions in the Central Hall of JKLA.
In response to concerns raised by the media fraternity, the Speaker assured that all highlighted issues would be addressed on priority, ensuring a conducive environment for the journalistic duties. He reiterated the administration’s commitment towards facilitating the press in fulfilling their professional responsibilities with ease.
In response, the journalists showed their gratitude to the Speaker for giving them the opportunity to put their concerns before him. They assured him of sticking to the higher professional standards and serving public interests with utmost dedication and a sense of duty towards them.
