Speaker clarifies Assembly rules as J&K MLAs highlight key public issues
Srinagar, Mar 15 (KINS): During Zero Hour in the ongoing Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly session, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather clarified that, as per established rules, Ministers cannot be asked to provide impromptu responses to issues raised by MLAs without prior notice. He emphasized that without prior intimation, Ministers would be unable to present their official stance on such matters.
The session saw MLAs bringing forth pressing public concerns. Dr. Narinder Singh Raina (RS Pura) raised the issue of notices served to 39 shopkeepers in Satwari for relocation due to the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway construction. He, along with MLAs Vikram Randhawa and Sham Lal Sharma, demanded a halt to the relocation until proper rehabilitation is ensured.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan (Kathua) highlighted the increasing number of accidental deaths caused by speeding dumpers carrying construction materials. He urged restrictions on these vehicles from entering town interiors to prevent further fatalities.
MLAs Sajad Shaheen, Javaid Mirchal, and Qaisar Jamsheed Lone called for urgent restoration of connectivity in remote areas like Mahu Mangit, Gool, Neel (Banihal), Machil, and Karnah (Kupwara), which have been cut off due to incessant rain and snowfall. They also demanded uninterrupted power supply during Sehri and Iftar in the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan.
Senior Assembly member Ghulam Ahmad Mir requested an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) deadline for residents in remote areas, particularly those affected by the Forest Rights Act (FRA), citing challenges in meeting the March 31, 2025, deadline due to economic and tribal constraints.
MLA Bijbehara, Dr. Bashir Veeri, pressed for the settlement of villages in Anantnag to update revenue records and called for immediate posting of Patwaris, as delays were hindering farmers from accessing credit during the sowing season.
MLA Habbakadal, Shamima Firdous, raised concerns over electricity curtailments for consumers unable to pay fines. She urged authorities to restore power during Ramadhan on humanitarian grounds.
MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, flagged the issue of an unsafe bridge in his constituency, affecting nearly one lakh residents. He demanded immediate allocation of funds for repairs to ensure public safety and ease transportation woes.(KINS)
