Zero hour to be introduced after framing SOPs, other modalities, says Speaker
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Pathania today said Zero hour would be introduced in the Himachal Assembly after framing of SOPs and other modalities.
“Zero hour is where MLAs can raise issues of public concern and need urgent attention, which, otherwise, cannot be listed. However, the discretion to allow raising of any issue lies with the Speaker,” he said. It is not possible to give a prompt reply and this it is not even mandatory.
Pathania clarified that an issue raised once in zero hour should be brief for two to three minutes and cannot be raised repeatedly. “The SOPs will be same as in the case of Parliament. Ours is the leading Assembly, which was the first to start e-Vidhan. We should have taken the lead in starting zero hour,” said Pathania. The Speaker said it has been decided to start zero hour and the modalities will be framed after discussion with the government.
Should’ve taken lead in starting it
The SOPs will be same as in the case of Parliament. Ours is the leading Assembly, which was the first to start e-Vidhan. We should have taken the lead in starting zero hour. —Kuldeep Pathania, Vidhan Sabha speaker
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu suggested that zero hour should be introduced only after discussion with the government and framing of SOPs. “Parliamentary Affairs Minister has in no way challenged the Speaker’s authority. In Parliament, replies to queries raised during zero hour is given after one month,” said Sukhu. The Chief Minister said the government had no objection but the modalities and SOPs must be decided before it is introduced.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan sought details about the modalities of the Zero Hour, SOPs to be framed and what kind of issues can be raised in the interest of the house. “I feel the issue should be decided by the Business Advisory Committees so that there is satisfaction of the members. It should not become a platform to settle political issues,” he said. The government is in no way opposed to start of Zero Hour, he added.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said issues of public interest can be raised during zero hour. “Zero hour is there in 10 Vidhan Sabhas and Parliament and is for half an hour on which only issues will be raised but no reply will be given by the government,” he said.
“The Opposition is in favour of zero hour and modalities should be framed so that maximum members can raise public issues as it is not possible to give them time otherwise,” said Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. It appears that government is not interested in introduction of Zero Hour, he said. Naina Devi MLA Randhir Sharma said zero hour should be for one hour and not half an hour.
