Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday staged strong protests over the absence of senior bureaucrats during the ongoing session. Legislators across party lines expressed serious concern, saying that the lack of officials was hampering meaningful discussions and accountability in the House.

The issue triggered disruptions, with several MLAs raising slogans and demanding that administrative officers be present to respond to queries and debates effectively.

Legislators demand accountability

MLAs argued that bureaucrats play a crucial role in assisting ministers during Assembly proceedings, especially when detailed information is required on governance, development projects, and public grievances.

They said the absence of officials reflects a lack of coordination between the executive and legislative branches. Lawmakers stressed that without bureaucratic presence, questions raised by elected representatives remain unanswered, undermining the purpose of the Assembly.

Cutting across party lines

The protest was notable as it saw participation from legislators belonging to different political parties, indicating a rare consensus on the issue. Members collectively emphasized that this was not a political matter but one concerning the functioning of democratic institutions.

Several MLAs highlighted that people elect them to raise public issues in the House, and without proper responses from the administration, governance suffers.

Impact on House proceedings

The absence of bureaucrats led to interruptions in proceedings, with legislators refusing to continue normal business until their concerns were addressed. Some members warned that if the situation continues, it could lead to further disruptions in upcoming sessions.

The protest also brought attention to growing friction between elected representatives and administrative officials in the Union Territory.

Previous concerns over bureaucracy

This is not the first time that lawmakers in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns about bureaucratic functioning. In the past, MLAs have complained about officials not responding to letters or addressing constituency issues, pointing to a widening gap between governance and ground realities.

The latest protest reinforces these concerns and signals increasing frustration among legislators regarding administrative accountability.

Call for better coordination

Legislators urged the government to ensure that concerned officials remain present during Assembly sessions. They stressed the need for improved coordination between departments and elected representatives to ensure smooth functioning of the House.

The demand also included setting clear protocols to make bureaucratic attendance mandatory during key discussions and question hours.

Democratic functioning at stake

The protest highlights a broader issue of institutional balance in Jammu and Kashmir’s governance framework. Legislators warned that continued absence of bureaucrats could weaken legislative oversight and reduce transparency in decision-making.

As the Assembly session continues, all eyes are now on the administration’s response and whether corrective measures will be taken to address the concerns raised by the lawmakers.