Shimla, Sept 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly is set to introduce a new legislative practice by launching Zero Hour for the first time in its history, starting Wednesday. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced this initiative on Tuesday during the ongoing Monsoon session, stating that it aims to streamline proceedings and foster more focused discussions on critical issues.
Starting tomorrow, every Wednesday at 12 pm, assembly members will have the opportunity to raise their issues during Zero Hour, which will immediately follow the Question Hour. This newly established segment will run for 30 minutes, providing members with a brief window to address pending concerns, including constituency-related matters, questions, call attention motions, and points of order.
In his address to the assembly, Speaker Pathania underscored the significance of this new measure in creating a more structured and efficient legislative process. He stated that each member would be given one minute, or slightly more, to present their issue during Zero Hour, ensuring that discussions remain concise and focused. Following the members’ presentations, the concerned minister will have the opportunity to respond.
The introduction of Zero Hour represents a significant step in the assembly’s efforts to enhance member participation, particularly from the opposition, in legislative discussions. The Speaker expressed hope that this new format would facilitate more meaningful debates and a more robust exchange of ideas on the pressing issues facing the state.
The decision to implement Zero Hour is expected to improve the overall efficiency of the assembly’s operations and provide a platform for members to voice their concerns more effectively. As the assembly embarks on this new tradition, it is anticipated that this move will set a precedent for future legislative sessions in Himachal Pradesh.
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