JAMMU: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, today stressed on ensuring fool-proof security arrangements and other logistical preparedness for smooth and seamless conduct of the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly scheduled to commence from 2nd February, 2025.
The Speaker issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat held here to review the arrangements for the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
During the meeting, the Speaker held a comprehensive review of the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming Budget Session. He laid emphasis on robust security measures and efficient logistical preparedness, highlighting that seamless coordination among all stakeholders is a must for a smooth session. “All departments have a vital role in the successful conduct of the Assembly Session and departments need to maintain due coordination and synergy with the Assembly Secretariat,” the Speaker said.
While reviewing the security-related arrangements, the Speaker directed the IGP Security to maintain foolproof security arrangements within and around the Assembly Secretariat to ensure the safety of members, staff, media personnel and other employees. He directed the security officers to maintain close coordination among the security agencies, strengthen access control mechanisms and remain vigilant throughout the session.
Advocate Rather directed the IGP for complete sanitisation of the Assembly Secretariat before the start of the session. He also asked for the establishment of a common control room for better monitoring and surveillance.
While reviewing the other key arrangements like sanitation, power supply, drinking water, fire safety, medical facilities and traffic management, the Speaker directed the concerned officers to maintain uninterrupted essential supplies like drinking water, power supply and other basic facilities during the entire session. He directed the officers of the health department to ensure a sufficient number of Ambulances, doctors, medical supplies and other facilities available during the session.
Advocate Rather further asked the Director of Estates to complete all works related to renovation and repairing within one week of the start of the session. He also asked him for the timely rectification of the sound system in the House and addressing all logistical aspects well in advance so that the proceedings of the House are conducted without any inconvenience.
The Speaker also directed the officers of Fire and Emergency Services to strengthen the fire control measures in and around the Assembly Secretariat.
The Speaker also asked the Commissioner Secretary, GAD, to appoint Nodal Officers in all the departments for the timely submission of replies to questions being submitted by the MLAs. He also asked the Commissioner Secretary to restrict passes for officers of the Civil Secretariat and issue passes to officers who are required to be present during the session.
While reviewing coverage and media-related aspects, the Speaker underlined that the Information Department has a major role during the entire session, which acts as a bridge between the government and the public. He asked the Director of Information to maintain close coordination with the Assembly Secretariat for the timely finalisation of media persons to be called for coverage of the session.
Advocate Rather also asked the Director to ensure the timely issuance of passes and other arrangements for the media persons in synergy with the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly. He also asked him to ensure the timely establishment of the Public Address System in the House.
Emphasising the importance of discipline and decorum during the Budget Session, the Speaker called upon all the departments to discharge their responsibilities with utmost professionalism and accountability. He underlined that the Budget Session is one of the most important sessions of the House and must reflect the highest standards of legislative functioning.
The Speaker also directed all the officers to ensure that contingency plans are also kept in place to handle any kind of eventuality or unforeseen situation.
