Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 16
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Raheem Rather on Wednesday urged the media to give greater prominence to legislative debate and proceedings rather than disruptions and noisy scenes in the House.
Speaking at a meeting with journalists ahead of the Assembly’s autumn session, Rather described the media as an important link between the government and the public and said journalists had a responsibility to report government policies as well as people’s concerns.
“Prefer quality over noise. Make performance primary,” Rather said, urging legislators to follow rules and participate meaningfully in House proceedings.
He said excessive coverage of disruptions could encourage other lawmakers, particularly younger members, to adopt similar behaviour to attract attention.
“Legislators should feel that sensible behaviour in the House will invite more coverage,” he said.
Rather also urged journalists to exercise caution while reporting Assembly proceedings and avoid any breach of privilege.
He said isolated disruptions should not obscure substantive legislative business or give the public an incomplete picture of the House’s functioning.
The Speaker also assured journalists that steps would be taken to improve arrangements for covering the session.
Media representatives raised concerns over timely issuance of passes, access to the Assembly lobby and Press Gallery, accommodation and working facilities, sound systems, entry procedures, Wi-Fi and parking.
Rather said the issues were workable and would be addressed in coordination with the authorities.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations will handle media passes, he said.
He said the General Administration Department had issued a notification facilitating entry of authorised vehicles of accredited media personnel into the Civil Secretariat and that designated parking had been identified.
The autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 21.
