Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Apr 1: Proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed strong protests on Wednesday as legislators across party lines objected to the absence of senior bureaucrats during Question Hour.

Members from multiple parties voiced concern, with MLAs arguing that the lack of administrative officials undermined the functioning and seriousness of the House. Nazi Ahmad Gurezi of the ruling Jammu & Kashmir National Conference sharply criticised the trend, stating that bureaucrats appeared to be taking the Assembly lightly. Drawing attention to the sparsely occupied officers’ gallery, he remarked that earlier it used to be filled with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Commissioner Secretaries.

Gurezi urged chief minister Omar Abdullah to take action, questioning whether bureaucrats considered themselves above elected representatives. He emphasised that while officials are government servants, legislators represent the public.

The protest quickly gained momentum, with members of the Bharatiya Janata Party joining in and demanding accountability. MLAs from other parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Congress, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, and independents, also stood in solidarity.

Addressing the issue, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stated that while it may not be feasible for the entire secretariat to be present due to space constraints, senior officials from departments listed for questions should attend the session.

Raising procedural concerns, BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma pointed out that rules require the presence of the concerned administrative secretaries during Question Hour. He suggested that discussions related to departments whose officials were absent should be postponed.

Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MLA Pawan Gupta questioned the accountability of the executive, stressing that it remains answerable to the legislature and must be present to respond to queries.