Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Urges Collective Responsibility for Productive 2026 Budget Session

JAMMU, February 02, 2026: On the opening day of the Budget Session, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, emphasized that ensuring productive outcomes is the collective responsibility of all members of the House.

Welcoming the legislators, the Speaker reminded them that the Assembly represents the hopes and aspirations of the electorate, noting that serving the people is both a privilege and a profound duty.

He highlighted that because significant public resources are invested in conducting these sessions, every minute spent in the House belongs to the citizens and must be utilized judiciously to address public grievances and provide effective solutions.

The Speaker further observed that while democracy naturally allows for disagreements, such expressions must remain dignified and rooted in mutual respect. He cautioned members that their conduct is under constant public scrutiny, as even minor lapses in decorum do not go unnoticed.

To ensure all voices are heard, he announced that the Business Advisory Committee has scheduled two sittings during the current session, providing ample opportunity for members to raise constituency-specific issues and hold the government accountable.

Concluding his remarks, Speaker Rather called upon the representatives to set a high standard of conduct and tabled the Lieutenant Governor’s address before the House, expressing hope that the session would successfully fulfill its democratic purpose.