Jammu, Jan 31: To provide legislators more time to raise public issues and seek detailed responses from the government, most of the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature is likely to be held in double sittings.
The indication came during an all-party-cum-Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting chaired by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather at the Assembly Secretariat on Friday.
Leaders across party lines flagged time constraints faced during earlier sessions and pushed for longer House proceedings. The Speaker assured members that a major portion of the session, beginning February 2, would be conducted in double sittings, with timings expected to run from 10 am to 5 pm or longer, if required, to allow meaningful debate.
Congress Legislature Party leader G.A. Mir said members highlighted that ministers holding multiple portfolios often get insufficient time during grant discussions. CPM leader M.Y. Tarigami also stressed the need for extended sittings to make the session productive and strengthen legislative oversight. The Speaker responded positively to these concerns.
The Speaker also appealed to all parties to ensure the smooth conduct of Question Hour, describing it as vital for raising people-centric issues. Party representatives assured cooperation and agreed not to disrupt the proceedings.
Leaders present at the meeting included National Conference’s Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mubarak Gul, PDP’s Mir Fayyaz, BJP’s Surjit Singh Slathia, CPM’s M.Y. Tarigami, Congress leader G.A. Mir, and Independent MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram, among others.
The Speaker emphasised discipline and healthy debate, urging members to uphold the dignity of the House. Logistical issues such as parking, lobby access and media interaction spaces were also discussed, with assurances given for necessary arrangements.
The Budget Session will begin on February 2 with the Lieutenant Governor’s address. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is scheduled to present the Budget on February 6. The session will run till April 4, with a break from February 20 to March 26, and will comprise a total of 22 sittings.
