Jammu, January 27: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Monday interacted with media professionals from various news organisations at the Assembly Secretariat here to ensure smooth and effective coverage of the forthcoming Assembly session beginning February 2, 2026.
The interaction aimed at strengthening coordination between the Assembly Secretariat and the media to facilitate accurate, responsible and seamless reporting of House proceedings. Emphasising the media’s role in a democratic setup, the Speaker said journalists serve as a vital link between the legislature and the people by keeping citizens informed about legislative debates, policies and decisions.
Stressing the need to uphold the dignity, decorum and traditions of the House, the Speaker sought the media’s cooperation for balanced and objective coverage of the session. He underlined that transparency and public awareness of legislative business are essential for good governance and urged journalists to keep public interest paramount while discharging their professional duties.
During the meeting, the Speaker discussed issues concerning media facilitation and identified additional requirements to improve the working environment for journalists during the session. He assured hassle-free entry of accredited media persons into the Assembly complex and directed that entry passes be issued well in advance in coordination with the Information Department.
The Speaker informed that pending works on the New Legislative Assembly Complex would commence shortly and are expected to be completed within 18 months. He also said that the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) would be partially introduced during the upcoming session to promote paperless functioning, with full implementation planned for the next session.
To enhance media access, the Speaker directed the Information Department to install adequate microphones and public address systems inside the Assembly Hall. He also instructed the Hospitality and Protocol Department to set up a shamiyana for press briefings and interactions with MLAs and Ministers.
Further directions were issued to the SSP, Civil Secretariat Security, to ensure smooth entry and appropriate parking arrangements for media persons, while the IT Department was asked to provide high-speed Wi-Fi and reliable internet services to facilitate uninterrupted coverage.
Inviting constructive suggestions, the Speaker encouraged journalists to share inputs for improving media engagement with the Assembly. Representatives of print and electronic media appreciated the Speaker’s proactive approach and raised concerns related to parking, entry passes, internet connectivity and other logistical arrangements.
Responding to these concerns, the Speaker assured that all genuine issues would be addressed promptly, reiterating the Assembly Secretariat’s commitment to providing a conducive working environment for the media fraternity.
The meeting was attended by Director Information Nitish Rajora, Secretary JKLA Manoj Kumar Pandita, SSP Civil Secretariat Security Sajjad Bhat, SSP Traffic Amit Bhasin, senior journalists, bureau chiefs, correspondents, and representatives of All India Radio, Doordarshan and other concerned departments.
