Srinagar, Sep 30: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was adjourned sine die on Wednesday.

In his concluding remarks, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), thanked members for their participation and said his responsibility as presiding officer was to facilitate legislators in raising public issues and conveying the expectations of the people they represent.

“I am thankful to all those who spoke here. As presiding officer, my responsibility is to facilitate you in raising the expectations of the people who have sent you here,” Rather said.

Rather said he had tried to accommodate members irrespective of their political affiliations and reiterated that he does not belong to any political party.

“I have tried to accommodate everyone irrespective of party affiliation and I reiterate that I don’t belong to any party,” he said.

Acknowledging that the session was brief, the Speaker said longer sittings would provide members greater opportunity to participate in debates and raise constituency issues.

“Longer sessions will help me as well as those who want to participate in discussions on behalf of the people they represent,” he said.

Rather acknowledged the difficulty of accommodating every member during limited sittings and urged legislators to understand the constraints faced by the Chair.

Referring to disruptions and heated exchanges, he said such incidents were common in legislatures across the world, but urged members to raise their concerns in a more constructive manner.

He said the Opposition also has its compulsions, which need to be taken into consideration. “I could have marshalled them out, but I didn’t. I have to keep patience,” Rather said.

The Speaker complimented legislators for their efforts and said the people had elected leaders who are the “cream of society”.

He also urged members to bring to his notice any instance where work or assurances raised in the House were not being followed up.

Rather praised the Council of Ministers for their work, saying it was not easy to handle multiple departments and that their efforts deserved appreciation.

Referring to Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s remarks on schooling, Rather urged him to take the matter positively, saying he is young and has a long future ahead.

“He is dear to me and expectations from him are high,” Rather said, adding that youth also have expectations from their leaders.

Rather also praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his regular attendance and participation in the proceedings.

He said the Chief Minister attended the session regularly, responded to issues himself and came prepared with substantial work, which contributed to the functioning of the House. Omar wanted to attend the concluding proceedings as well but had official commitments, Rather said.

The Speaker also acknowledged the efforts of Assembly staff, security personnel, PHE, PDD and other line departments in facilitating the proceedings.

He particularly praised the press and media, describing them as an important pillar of democracy and a vital link between the Assembly and the people.

“The press and media are an important pillar of democracy and an important part of us,” Rather said, adding that journalists highlight people’s issues and keep the public informed about Assembly proceedings.

He said the role of media during a session is sensitive and acknowledged its overall contribution despite occasional instances of misconduct.

Rather also praised the Assembly staff for efficiently managing the proceedings despite being limited in number.

“The Assembly staff, though less in number, are doing their best. They may not be able to do 100 per cent, but they do their work. They are praiseworthy,” he said.

On demands raised by the Assembly staff, Rather said authorities were working on issues including promotions and other service-related matters.

The 2026 Autumn Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held in Srinagar from September 21 to September 30 and lasted seven days.

The Speaker subsequently adjourned the House sine die, formally concluding the Autumn Session.

Srinagar, Sep 30: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the closing ceremony of 11th Mega Eye Surgery Camp organised under Operation Drishti, which marks another milestone in the Indian Army’s healthcare outreach in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and commended the Indian Army for their dedication. The Lieutenant Governor also appreciated the selfless service of Brigadier Sanjay Kumar Mishra and his team.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that Operation Drishti is a living embodiment of service, compassion, courage, and resolve. He highlighted that 144 surgeries were successfully performed at the Srinagar camp, while the Tangdhar camp in Kupwara district marked a historic milestone as the first mega eye surgery camp on the border. Despite challenging terrain and the constant threat, doctors and soldiers created an underground operation theatre and restored vision to 220 patients in just two days.

“Those who have seen Tangdhar’s geographical conditions understand that reaching there with assistance is itself a challenge. One must cross mountains, traverse difficult terrain and at times advance even amidst the danger. Yet, in this very challenging and uncertain environment, our doctors and brave soldiers, under the leadership of Brigadier Sanjay Mishra, created a centre of hope,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that modern surgical tools were airlifted to Tangdhar, enabling advanced eye care in a region where such facilities were previously unimaginable. Patients from Khawarpora, Tangdhar, Bagbella, and surrounding villages benefitted from the camp.

“This is true courage, dedication to duty and the real meaning of service. This entire effort has proven one thing beyond doubt that where resolve is firm, no difficulty, however great, can block the path of human service by Indian Army,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor underscored that the 364 surgeries performed in Srinagar and Tangdhar represent not just medical statistics but transformed lives. He said under the leadership of Indian Army’s doctors, every surgery became a story of restored dignity and revived hope. The Lieutenant Governor also observed that at the national level, more than 1.5 lakh people have undergone eye examinations and more than 3,500 surgeries have been performed across 10 cities under Operation Drishti.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that Operation Drishti has strengthened trust between the Army and communities, proving that the Indian Army is not only a force of defence but also a source of compassion and healing. He saluted the courage of support staff, Air Force pilots, and soldiers who transported equipment, prepared underground theatres and ensured complex surgeries in adverse conditions.

“Indian Army is not only a force that defends the country from external threats, but also a source of support, compassion and healing for ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir in times of need. By restoring sight, the Army has given patients a new vision of peace, trust, and togetherness,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor affirmed that the 11th camp in Srinagar is not the end but a continuation of the journey. He expressed confidence that Operation Drishti will reach more villages and towns across the country ensuring that quality healthcare is not confined to big cities. He reiterated that the Tangdhar camp serves as an inspiring example for remote areas across India.

“The experience of Operation Drishti gives us confidence that with determination, better planning and compassion, modern medicine can be delivered to every corner of the country. This is the resolve of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being ensured that no citizen is left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Doctors and medical staff of Defence forces for their valuable services during the camp. He also handed over post-operative kits to the beneficiaries.

Lieutenant General Balbir Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Chinar Corps; Brig Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant and HOD Department of  Ophthalmology, Army Hospital R&R; Brig B.V. Rao, Commandant, 92 Base Hospital, and senior officials of Defence Forces attended the closing ceremony.

Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar were also present.

Srinagar, Sep 30: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday reprimanded Jal Shakti Minister Javed Rana for suggesting that the issue concerning a committee report on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) should be treated as closed.

The minister made the remarks while responding to committee chairman and MLA Hasnain Masoodi, who had earlier briefed the House about the committee’s report.

In his reply, the minister said the matter should be considered closed.

The Speaker took objection to the remark and termed it “contempt of the House”.

“How can you say this? Even members have not spoken on the matter and you are telling us to treat it closed,” the Speaker told the minister.

The Speaker also reminded the minister that the department was required to submit an action-taken report in reference to the findings of the committee.

Srinagar, Sep 30: Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Lone on Wednesday questioned the EWS criteria for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a uniform definition of a poor person based on existing ration-card categories.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Lone pointed to an alleged disparity between AAY/BPL and priority household beneficiaries and the issuance of EWS certificates in Jammu and Kashmir.

“When the same government says that 37 lakh poor people are in Kashmir and 29 lakh poor people are in Jammu, how can it be that in the last one year 24,000 EWS certificates have come from Jammu, while only 24,000 have come from Kashmir?” he asked.

Lone said the “problem is the asset criteria”, arguing that a person could be considered poor for receiving subsidised food but become ineligible for EWS benefits when applying for a government job.

“When he goes for ration, for his BPL or AAY card, he is poor. But when he goes for a job, he becomes rich overnight,” he said.

Citing Kerala, Lone said AAY and BPL/priority household status could be used as the yardstick for EWS eligibility.

He also questioned the use of the Centre’s EWS definition for J&K government jobs, saying, “For state jobs, we are under no legal binding that we use that.”

Lone said 40,000 recruitments were pending and argued that the choice of EWS criteria could significantly affect the regional distribution of beneficiaries.

“I think government should have a uniform definition of poor,” he said. “A poor person is a person who has a priority household ration card and an AAY ration card.”

“You cannot have two definitions, one for employment and one for the Department of Food and Supply,” he added.

Srinagar, Sept 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah flew to New Delhi on Wednesday morning to attend a meeting of INDIA bloc leaders, skipping the final day of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session, even as several other J&K leaders are unlikely to attend the Opposition meeting.
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‎Sources said that National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami and leaders of the J&K Congress unit are likely to skip the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi.
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‎PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, meanwhile, reached the national capital on Tuesday and is expected to attend the meeting.
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‎The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, where Opposition leaders are expected to discuss the Election Commission and issues concerning electoral processes.(KNS) 
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Srinagar, Sep 24: Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday directed the government to ensure that the revised car policy is notified within 15 days.

The direction came during a discussion on the implementation of the “One Officer, One Vehicle” policy, with the Speaker questioning the delay in taking action on the matter.

Rather said the issue involved the use of public resources and could not be kept pending any longer.

The Speaker directed Minister Transport Satish Sharma  to ensure that the necessary policy is notified within 15 days.

He also questioned why it had taken nearly five years to act on the matter, stressing that such a delay amounted to the misuse of public resources. —(KNO)