Himachal Pradesh Assembly Introduces Zero Hour for Public Issues

The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has introduced 'Zero Hour' to address urgent public issues during the ongoing monsoon session. This new provision will allow members to raise significant matters without time constraints, ensuring urgent topics receive immediate attention.

In a significant move, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced the introduction of 'Zero Hour' in the Assembly starting Wednesday during the monsoon session. This decision, agreed upon unanimously, will allow members to address urgent public issues exclusively for half an hour.

The Speaker stressed the importance of using this time judiciously, focusing on pressing matters instead of trivial issues. He clarified that specific constituency concerns could be discussed during this period only if they are of utmost importance and couldn't be addressed through other motions or rules.

Explaining the new provision's benefits, the Speaker noted that important issues could be raised without the typical time constraints, expecting the concerned ministry to provide a report and the government to respond officially. This marks the first time Zero Hour is introduced in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, with the Speaker retaining the authority to allow or disallow issues of public importance.

(With inputs from agencies.)