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The Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced the introduction of "Zero Hour" in the Assembly starting Wednesday in the ongoing monsoon session.
The decision to include Zero Hour, which traditionally lasts for half an hour, was unanimously agreed and that it should be used exclusively for matters of urgent public importance. The Speaker emphasised that this time should not be wasted on trivial issues. Instead, the focus will be on pressing matters that need immediate attention. "If an issue is brought forward that pertains to a specific constituency, it can be discussed during this period," said the Speaker. "However, only those topics of utmost importance, which could not be addressed under any other motion or rule, will be allowed to be raised." The Speaker further explained that this provision will enable important issues to be discussed without the constraints of time typically imposed under other rules. "During Zero Hour, such issues can be raised, and the concerned ministry is expected to take cognizance and provide a report. The government will then provide an official response from the ministry," he said. This introduction of Zero Hour in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is a first. "We will see how it unfolds tomorrow. In the Upper House and other assemblies across the country, there is a provision for Zero Hour or a similar mechanism. Whether the issue raised is of public importance will be determined by the Speaker. In the Lok Sabha, the Speaker has the authority to allow or disallow matters during Zero Hour," the Speaker said. "During live sessions, issues of public importance will be permitted to be raised, and whether these issues are significant enough will be decided by the Speaker," he added. (ANI)
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