Legislative workshop held for Kashmir's first-time lawmakers

A workshop to acquaint first-time lawmakers with legislative rules and procedures was held here on Monday, ahead of the assembly's budget session.

Describing the legislature as a place of great sanctity and honour, Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed called upon the new members to maintain its pride and admirably play the principal role of lawmakers so that the society functions in a much better way.

Speaking after inaugurating the workshop organized by Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development (IMPARD) to acquaint legislators about the rules of procedure and conduct of business, he said: "I want the new legislators to highlight issues on general policies of the government and problems confronting their respective constituencies."

Urging the newly-elected legislators to initiate quality debates, Sayeed said the legislature gives unlimited powers to those who are not in power.

"I urge the members to take this workshop seriously so that you acquaint yourselves about the rules and procedures in vogue and highlight the areas of worry.

"I hope those sitting on the opposition benches will play a constructive role in pointing out the shortcomings of the government. I assure that their views and observations will be taken seriously.

"We have to run the business of the Houses efficiently so that the issues confronting the people are highlighted and resolved in a better way," he said, advising his ministers, most of whom are first-timers in the legislature, to attend the workshop to familiarize themselves about the procedure of rules and business.

He also sat through the first technical session, conducted by former finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather.

The budget session begins on Wednesday.