Srinagar: The Ethics Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday approved proposals to engage with academic institutions and undertake a study visit to the Kerala Legislative Assembly to strengthen awareness of parliamentary ethics and adopt best practices.
The meeting, chaired by committee chairman and MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat at the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, was attended by committee members Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Salman Sagar, Hilal Akbar Lone, Zafar Ali Khatana, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad, Satish Kumar Sharma, Surinder Kumar, Randhir Singh and Arvind Gupta.
Bhat said the committee was constituted to uphold the dignity and decorum of the House by ensuring high standards of parliamentary ethics, conduct and discipline. He said the committee also has a responsibility to promote accountability, transparency and integrity in public life.
During the meeting, the chairman proposed interaction programmes with students and faculty of the Law and Political Science departments of the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu to promote awareness about parliamentary ethics and democratic values and to obtain feedback from the academic community.
He also proposed that the committee visit the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to interact with the Chief Justice and other judges on ethical standards in public life and governance.
The committee unanimously endorsed the proposals and also resolved to undertake a study visit to the Kerala Legislative Assembly during the third week of next month, subject to approval from the competent authority and completion of administrative formalities.
The meeting was also attended by Under Secretary of the Legislative Assembly Shabir Ahmad Wani, Incharge Committees Naqeeb Jeelani and other Assembly officials.

