Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Highlights Media’s Role in Strengthening Democratic Discourse; Assures Full Support During Assembly Session
SRINAGAR: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Abdul Rahim Rather, today held an interactive session with media persons representing various news organisations at the Assembly Secretariat to ensure smooth and efficient coverage of the upcoming Assembly session.
The meeting was attended by Director Information, Nitish Rajora; Secretary, JKLA, Manoj Kumar Pandit; SSP Security Civil Secretariat, Sajjad K. Bhat; Joint Director Information Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari; Deputy Director Information (PR), Javid Ahmad Rather; Assistant Director Doordarshan, veteran journalists, bureau chiefs, senior correspondents, and representatives from All India Radio and other media outlets.
During the interaction, Speaker Rather held an in-depth discussion with media professionals on issues related to their facilitation and working conditions during the forthcoming session. The deliberations focused on ensuring hassle-free access to the Assembly premises and improving facilities for comprehensive media coverage.
Highlighting the pivotal role of media in fostering transparency and informed public debate, Speaker Rather described journalists as a crucial bridge between the legislature and the public. He emphasized that the media’s contribution ensures citizens remain informed about the policies, debates, and decisions that shape governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Speaker urged media houses to maintain balance, accuracy, and responsibility in their reporting, underlining the importance of prioritizing public interest while covering legislative proceedings.
Reviewing arrangements for media personnel, the Speaker directed officers of the Assembly Secretariat to coordinate with the Information Department for timely issuance of entry passes to journalists to avoid any inconvenience.
To enhance media accessibility, the Speaker instructed the Information Department to install adequate microphones and Public Address Systems (PAS) in the Assembly Hall and lawns for smooth communication between legislators, ministers, and media representatives. He also directed the Hospitality & Protocol Department to set up a Shamyana with a dais for press briefings by MLAs and Ministers.
In addition, the Speaker asked the SSP Security, Civil Secretariat, to ensure proper parking arrangements for media personnel near the Assembly premises.
During the session, media representatives appreciated the Speaker’s proactive approach and offered constructive suggestions to strengthen media–Assembly engagement. They highlighted the need for designated parking areas, high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, and improved logistical support. Journalists also requested timely distribution of entry passes, particularly for accredited and veteran media professionals.
Responding to their inputs, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the media fraternity that all concerns would be addressed promptly and reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for journalists to perform their professional duties effectively.
