Srinagar, Nov 4: In his first address as Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather urged members to maintain the decorum and dignity of the House, vowing impartiality in his role as custodian.
Following his unanimous election, Rather expressed gratitude to the assembly members and emphasized the responsibility tied to his new position. “With this esteemed post comes a duty to uphold your expectations,” he stated.
Rather called on MLAs to approach debates with a constructive attitude, prioritize the concerns of the public, and avoid unnecessary disruptions. “The sanctity of this House reflects our own dignity, and we must value our time here wisely,” he remarked, underscoring that discourse should benefit the common citizen and hold the government accountable without disrespecting ministers or officials.
He cautioned against wasting time with unruly behavior, reminding members that the Speaker holds authority to impose penalties, from suspension to disqualification, though he expressed hope such measures would be unnecessary. Rather assured the assembly that his tenure would be marked by neutrality, stating, “I have a long association with the NC, but as Speaker, I belong to all of you. I will follow only the rules of this House.”
The Speaker also announced the assembly’s need to adapt the procedural rules under the Reorganization Act, allowing for temporary modifications until new regulations are fully implemented. He concluded with a call for unity in creating a progressive Jammu and Kashmir and adjourned the session until Tuesday.
