Shimla, Dec 20,
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The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly made a significant move in parliamentary democracy today by formally adopting the practice of Zero Hour during the Winter Session.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced that members could now raise constituency-specific issues immediately after Question Hour in a dedicated 30-minute Zero Hour. He explained that the rules governing Zero Hour had been communicated to members via the Vidhan Sabha bulletin. Members are required to inform the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat about their issues one hour and 30 minutes before the session begins. Each day, up to ten issues will be listed for discussion, with concerned ministers expected to respond during the session or provide follow-up information later.
Former Deputy Speaker Jagat Singh Negi lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone in the state’s legislative history. He encouraged members to use the platform effectively. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also praised the introduction of Zero Hour but emphasized the need for proper guidance for members and ministers to ensure the practice is taken seriously.
Woman legislator Anuradha Rana from Lahaul-Spiti made history by becoming the first member to raise an issue under the newly introduced Zero Hour in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. She highlighted concerns regarding the toll barriers at Dolnalha and Takoli on the four-lane highways.
Responding to the issue, Public Works Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh assured the House that the matter would be taken up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for resolution.
During today’s session, Congress MLA Kewal Singh Pathania raised concerns over the burial of water canals and khuls under debris from National Highway construction in Shahapur. Highlighting the dependence of 88% of Shahapur’s population on these irrigation systems, he urged intervention from the Ministry of Surface Transport.
Sukhram Chaudhary, representing Paonta Sahib, brought up the impact of a cloudburst in Belkhala, which damaged a bridge and washed away fertile land. He called for compensation and assistance for the affected farmers.
Congress MLA Sanjay Rattan proposed building a Freedom Fighter Memorial in Jwalamukhi’s Dadi area. Meanwhile, Trilok Jamwal demanded clarity on the criteria for forming new Gram Panchayats. Responding to the query, Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh stated that proposals for new Panchayats were under consideration but emphasized financial constraints and the absence of updated census data as limiting factors.
Hardeep Bawa from Nalagarh voiced concerns over a bottling plant in the area, which had drilled multiple borewells, potentially impacting 35-36 water supply schemes. He urged the government to ensure the plant’s operations do not harm irrigation-dependent farmers.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri assured the assembly that the groundwater situation in Nalagarh would be reviewed. He noted that 70% of the area’s groundwater is already exploited and pledged action against violations by the bottling plant.
The Deputy CM also commended Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania for introducing Zero Hour and other digital initiatives under the e-Vidhan platform. He expressed confidence that these steps would enhance the functioning of the state assembly.
The introduction of Zero Hour marks a new era of accountability and responsiveness in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
