Legislative Assembly Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather today allowed the legislators to raise issues beyond the Zero Hour, terming it as a special case in light of the importance of matters raised by members.
“Today I am allowing members to raise certain important issues beyond the Zero Hour. It is a one-time exception and will not form a precedent for future proceedings,” Speaker said while allowing MLAs to speak on public issues, including the plight of flood victims of September 2025.
Emphasising upon the members to make judicious use of the limited time available, Speaker said that matters can be raised in the House in a constructive and respectful manner.
Earlier, Speaker had rejected an adjournment motion moved in by MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta for a discussion on the situation in the aftermath of the recent floods in Jammu and Kashmir. Citing procedural rules, Speaker said the House rules (Rule 58) do not permit an adjournment motion to be taken up after it has already been rejected once in the session.
However, he said that the entire House shares the plight of flood victims of September 2025, adding that their grievances and rehabilitation issues have to be taken up in the House and addressed with equal priority.
Later, initiating the debate, Pawan Kumar Gupta highlighted the severe damage caused by recent floods in the Jammu division, including his own constituency. He pointed out that the floods have extensively damaged houses, schools and other public infrastructure. Gupta emphasized that the relief efforts so far have been both inadequate and delayed, leaving affected people in continued hardship.
Gupta said that affected people expect their representatives to raise their concerns in the Assembly, urging that there should be a broader discussion on the issue to ensure proper rehabilitation and assistance to the victims.
MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik while speaking on the issue urged upon the government for permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure in his constituency. He also raised upgradation of school infrastructure and other issues.
MLA Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia participating in the discussion on flood relief measures said that government should frame a comprehensive plan for providing compensation to the affected population. He urged the government to take concrete steps for permanent restoration of defunct services in his constituency.
MLA Beerwah, Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani said that the Omar Abdullah government is committed to fulfil promises made with the people. He said that a proper disaster management plan will be devised to minimise the losses suffered in the event of natural calamities, ensuring better preparedness and timely response.
MLA Rajouri, Iftikhar Ahmed raised the issue of shifting of District Hospital Rajouri, filling of vacancies and promotions in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, besides issue of Katra Ropeway project.
MLA Banihal, Sajad Shaheen praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for restoring Darbar Move saying it is a symbol of cultural integration, emotional unity and regional inclusivity.
MLA Karnah, Javed Ahmed Mirchal called for the resumption of chopper services for transporting mortal remains, especially during the winter months when road connectivity to snow-bound areas remains severely disrupted.
MLA Basohli, Darshan Kumar expressed concern over the lack of adequate health facilities at the local hospital, calling for the posting of specialist doctors to ensure proper medical treatment for the people of the area.
MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, emphasized that adequate compensation be provided to the farming community and other affected people during the recent floods.
MLA, Thannamandi, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, urged upon the government to expedite the process for compensating people affected during recent floods, ensuring that relief reaches people in a timely and transparent manner.
MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, demanded upgradation of health facilities and other services in his constituency.
MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram urged the government to take up the matter with the Central Government for announcing a special relief package for families affected by the recent floods.
He said the extent of damage caused by the calamity warrants a special package from the Central Government to support the affected people and help them rebuild their lives.
MLA, Samba, Surjeet Singh Slathia, demanded special package for flood victims to ensure adequate relief and compensation for the families affected by the recent floods.
He said timely financial assistance would help the affected people rebuild their homes and livelihoods and urged the government to take all necessary measures in this regard.
MLA, Billawar, Satish Sharma offered suggestions regarding the implementation of flood relief measures, noting that certain policy aspects related to residents who lost land during natural calamities may be reviewed to ensure their needs are adequately addressed.
MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana demanded the immediate reopening of the tourist spot Sinthan Top, emphasizing its vital role in local livelihoods. He highlighted the significant loss of livestock among tribal communities who migrated for their livelihood during recent floods, pointing out that these losses have been overlooked in official assessments.
MLA, Khan Sahib, Saif-ud-Din Bhat , also demanded for immediate opening of tourist places in his constituency, as a large number of people are dependent on tourism sector for their livelihood.
MLA, Pulwama, Waheed ur Rahman Para suggested that the government may review certain aspects of the media policy, including the empanelment of new news portals and the advertisement allocation process, to make it more comprehensive and representative.
MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, raised concern upon the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir and called for its rationalisation in line with actual representation and population.
MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan defending the reservation policy said that it is a constitutional right of the people. He emphasized that candidates from Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) are proving their mettle in competitive exams securing top ranks, a testament to their potential and resilience.
He said that many schools in backward areas, including in his constituency, lack science streams, putting students there at a disadvantage compared to those from areas with better educational facilities.
MLA, Baramulla, Javid Hassan Beigh emphasized the need to protect and preserve natural resources in Jammu and Kashmir. He suggested that necessary measures be taken to prevent misuse of these resources and to ensure that local residents benefit from them in a manner that supports their livelihoods and environmental conservation.