Journalists’ Voices Welcomed Openly

In a democratic society, the relationship between the legislature and the media is not one of convenience but of necessity. It is the dialogue between institutions that defines the depth of public understanding, accountability, and participation. In Jammu and Kashmir, this dialogue has found renewed expression through Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s recent engagement with journalists and media professionals ahead of the forthcoming Assembly session. The interaction, held at the Assembly Secretariat, was not a mere logistical briefing but a thoughtful exercise in institutional transparency and democratic communication. It underscored a fundamental truth: democracy functions best when its institutions listen, respond, and communicate openly with the fourth pillar of governance, the press.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s outreach reflected a leadership approach grounded in accessibility and trust-building. His emphasis on media facilitation, operational ease, and proactive dialogue demonstrated that he views the press not as an external observer but as an integral partner in shaping an informed public discourse. In an era when media relations with institutions are often clouded by mistrust or excessive control, this initiative signalled a refreshing commitment to openness. By recognizing journalists as conduits of truth and public awareness, the Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s accountability to the people it represents. He reminded everyone that transparency in governance does not weaken the legislature’s dignity; it strengthens it by aligning it with the citizens’ right to know. The interaction also had practical significance. By addressing access concerns, logistical arrangements, and communication systems, the Speaker ensured that journalists would be able to perform their duties without undue hindrance during the session. His directives for improved facilities, from entry passes and seating arrangements to public address systems and press briefing spaces, reflect an understanding that institutional efficiency and media effectiveness are closely linked. Such measures may appear administrative, but their impact on the quality and accuracy of reporting is profound. When journalists are enabled to observe and report legislative proceedings smoothly, the flow of credible information to the public improves, reinforcing the democratic chain of accountability. At a deeper level, the Speaker’s engagement carries symbolic value in a region where governance and communication have historically faced challenges of perception and outreach. By directly inviting feedback from journalists, including veterans and young correspondents, he signalled a break from the culture of unilateral communication that often distances institutions from society. His assurance that the Assembly Secretariat will remain responsive to media concerns is an important step toward institutionalizing dialogue not as a formality but as a recurring democratic practice. The message was clear: media freedom and legislative transparency are not opposing forces but complementary pillars that sustain public trust in governance. Equally significant was the Speaker’s call for balanced and responsible journalism. By urging reporters to maintain objectivity and prioritize public interest in their coverage, he reminded the media fraternity that with access comes responsibility. This mutual respect between institutional openness and ethical journalism is what defines the maturity of any democracy. It is also a timely reminder that transparency must be accompanied by fairness if it is to serve the public good truly. Speaker Rather’s initiative also reflects a wider shift in governance philosophy within Jammu and Kashmir. The focus is gradually moving from closed-door administration to participatory engagement, where institutions actively seek to build trust with the people through credible intermediaries, the media being the most vital among them. This evolving framework of communication marks an important stage in the region’s democratic consolidation, where both the press and the legislature can function as partners in the service of truth and accountability. In a world where misinformation often overshadows reasoned dialogue, this gesture of institutional openness is more than symbolic; it is necessary. It reaffirms that public trust in democracy grows not through rhetoric but through genuine transparency, consistent communication, and shared responsibility. As Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly prepares to convene, the Speaker’s initiative stands as a model for how leadership can strengthen institutions by bridging them with the society they serve. It reminds us that democracy thrives not behind closed doors but in open conversations where the legislature speaks, the media listens, and the people, informed and engaged, become the ultimate participants in governance.

As the Assembly prepares to undertake its legislative responsibilities, it is important for the government to build upon the positive example set by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s initiative. The spirit of openness and dialogue he has encouraged can be strengthened by establishing a more sustained communication framework between the legislature and the media. Besides regular briefings after key sessions, interactive workshops on parliamentary reporting and open-data initiatives could further improve mutual understanding and trust between institutions and journalists.