Ensure proper coordination with govt depts: Speaker to House panel heads

Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday exhorted all the Chairpersons of financial and other committees, which were recently constituted, to work with “utmost dedication in close coordination with the Assembly Secretariat to ensure efficient functioning of their respective committees.”

A statement said the Speaker said this while chairing a meeting of the chairpersons of all nine House Committees convened to discuss the functioning prescribed to them under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in J-K Assembly.

During the meeting, the Speaker briefed the chairpersons about their roles and responsibilities. He emphasised upon ensuring effective coordination and collaboration between the government departments and the committees for their efficient, expeditious, transparent and result-oriented functioning.

The Speaker emphasised upon the chairmen to play a proactive role in ensuring that the executive branch of the government is held accountable for its actions. “You have to foster a culture of accountability and transparency in governance, providing a platform for the citizens to voice their concerns for redress,” he said.

He affirmed that the Assembly Secretariat would provide them all possible assistance. He expressed hope that AG’s office, GAD, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Department would not only assist the committees but also play an important role in implementing the recommendations of the committees.

The Speaker stressed on maintaining dignity and decorum of the committees.

Chairman of Committee on Public Accounts, Sham Lal Sharma; Chairperson of Committee on Estimates, Shamim Firdous; Chairman of Committee on Public Undertakings, Ali Mohammad Sagar; Chairman of Ethics Committee, Surjeet Singh Slathia; Chairman of Committee on Privileges, Nizam-ud-din Bhat; Chairman of Committee on Government Assurances, Sajad Gani Lone; Chairman of Committee on Subordinate Legislation, Hasnain Masoodi; and Chairman of Committee on Petitions, Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah; were present on the occasion and gave their suggestions to make these committees more effective.