“Questions Must Not Exceed 150 Words”: Assembly Speaker | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday called for strict adherence to procedural rules governing the length of questions during the Question Hour, emphasizing that they must not exceed 150 words.

The observation came after MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia raised a Point of Order regarding the length of questions being submitted in the House.

Responding to the issue, the Speaker referred to Rule 38, Condition 7, underscoring that questions raised by members must be brief and within the prescribed 150-word limit to ensure efficient use of the House’s time.

Rather noted that a majority of questions being submitted were excessively long and in violation of the rules, although many had been admitted using his discretionary powers.

He urged members to cooperate in maintaining discipline and avoiding lengthy submissions, warning that such questions may be rejected in future sessions to streamline proceedings.

The Speaker also suggested organising a workshop or seminar by parliamentary procedure experts to familiarise legislators with the rules and improve compliance with legislative guidelines.