In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir’s special correspondent Abid Bashir, senior National Conference leader and Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, expressed confidence that the upcoming budget session, set to begin on March 3, will prove to be a productive one. Rather emphasised that this marks the first time in years that Jammu and Kashmir’s elected government will be presenting the budget in the Assembly. Rather called on Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to uphold the decorum of the House, urging them to hold the government accountable to ensure that the public benefits from the session. Excerpts:
The budget session of J&K Legislative Assembly will start from March 3. What are the preparations?
Preparations are in full swing. There is some time left still. Assembly secretariat is busy making the arrangements. I am looking for a successful budget session.
What will be the total duration of the budget session? It is going to be the first budget of the elected government in J&K after a long gap. How do you see it?
It will start from March 3 and may last for 20 days, one day plus, minus. It is indeed a good moment to see the elected government presenting the budget. In the past many years, we had seen that our budget was being presented by the Parliament. This time, I believe, it is first time after 2018, that the elected government will table the J&K Budget.
A workshop for the legislators was held in Jammu. Will that help maintain the decorum of the House?
It was a three-day workshop. All members including the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah participated in it. I myself was part of it. Experts from other States shared their experience, tips and modern legislative practices in other parts of the country. It was a great learning experience. I am sure all members learned from the workshop. We learnt about how the business of the house is conducted on modern lines and use of technology by the members of the Legislative Assembly. Overall, it was a great experience. Not just the news legislators but old ones too participated. It was a collective learning by all of us.
Q: Will budget session be a peaceful one. Any appeal to the members, especially those from the opposition?
My appeal is for all MLAs irrespective of their party affiliations. All of them must maintain the sanctity of the House. Follow rules properly and refrain from creating disruptions. It is the peoples’ Assembly and people who voted for the MLAs have expectations that their issues will be discussed and resolved in the House. MLAs have to make the government accountable not by creating disruptions by following rules. Government is answerable to the people. The primary job of an MLA is to rake up the issues of his/her constituency, seek answers from the government so that people can benefit. Creating chaos leads to wastage of time. My job is to give adequate time to every MLA and I will ensure that.
Q: Some members from the Opposition parties allege that change in business rules amount to betrayal and surrender. What do you say?
Let me clarify that there has been no change in the business rules. The rules remain the same as they were when J&K was a state. Some individuals are spreading unnecessary propaganda for political reasons. The Assembly is the ultimate authority on the business rules, and there is no betrayal or surrender involved. Any modifications, if they occur, will be discussed in the Assembly first.
Q But some modifications are being discussed?
Even if there would be any modification, same would be discussed in the Assembly first. I reiterate there is no change in business rules. Those trying to blow the issue out of proportion should refrain from it.
Q: You are the first Speaker of an Assembly of a Union Territory. Does that make any difference?
My role as Speaker is the same whether it’s a state or a Union Territory. I’ve previously served as Finance Minister of J&K, and now, as Speaker, my job remains to conduct the business of the House. The powers are the same, and I don’t feel any major differences.
Q: How many questions can one MLA ask in the session?
Each MLA can ask up to 20 questions—10 starred and 10 unstarred. Besides, private members’ resolutions can be submitted. The last date for submitting private members’ resolutions is February 15.
Q: Will budget have some special packages for weaker sections and youth?
I cannot speak to the details of the budget, as that is the prerogative of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Finance portfolio lies with him. However, I am hopeful that the budget will be people-friendly, and I believe the Chief Minister is working to ensure that all sections of society are represented. Let’s hope for a fruitful session that will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
