JKLA Speaker Addresses 86th Presiding Officers Conference in Uttar Pradesh | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, on Tuesday addressed the 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) 2026 held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, stressing the need to strengthen accountability of legislatures towards the people.

Speaking on the theme “Accountability of the Legislature towards the people”, Rather emphasised the importance of improving institutional mechanisms to ensure legislatures remain responsive, transparent and answerable to citizens.

During his address, the Speaker referred to verses from the Manusmriti and the Quran, stating that the idea of legislative accountability has deep roots in India’s democratic traditions. He said governance in ancient times was guided by dharma, while institutions such as the Sabha and Samiti ensured people’s participation in decision-making.

Drawing from Hindu scriptures, he described lawmakers as servants of dharma rather than holders of absolute power, underlining that legislatures are responsible for the welfare and protection of the people. Referring to Islamic teachings, he added that legislators are expected to exercise authority with fairness, honesty and responsibility towards those they represent.

Rather said the Constitution envisages a legislature that is transparent, responsive and accountable, entrusting it with key responsibilities such as framing laws, overseeing the executive, approving public expenditure and providing a platform for debate and dissent.

He noted that in a democracy, the legislature is not merely a lawmaking body but the collective voice and conscience of the people. He stressed that accountability is reflected through inclusive and well-scrutinised legislation, cautioning that laws passed without adequate debate or stakeholder consultation may weaken public trust.

The Speaker also voiced concern over growing public unease regarding frequent disruptions and declining decorum in legislative chambers, observing that while disagreement is intrinsic to democracy, continued disorder undermines faith in democratic institutions.

Highlighting executive oversight as another crucial pillar of accountability, Rather said instruments such as questions, calling attention motions, committee deliberations and budget scrutiny are essential tools to safeguard public interest.

He further pointed out that in the digital era, accountability requires greater transparency and direct public engagement. Measures such as live telecasts, open committee systems, accessible legislative records and the use of technology can help bridge the gap between legislatures and citizens, he said.

Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandita, accompanied the Speaker at the conference.