Srinagar, May 05: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized that the government’s efforts should be seen in the coming six months in the case of governance, delivery of public services and overall reforms in the government’s functioning in Jammu and Kashmir.
He insisted that the government should not be limited to the Civil Secretariat or government offices.
The Chief Minister presided over a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and made these comments, which resumed the official work by ministers and administrative secretaries in the summer capital Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chomori, Sakena Minister of Ethiopia, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma attended the meeting. Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dullu, Additional Chief Secretary to HCM Gupta, all administrative secrets, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir and other senior offices attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister emphasized the introduction of development activities, implementation of budget announcements and the need for skilled governance amidst current challenges.
“After six months, we are back to the Srinagar Civil Secretariat Office. The environment in which we were hoping that the offices would remain open, hoping that the normal business did not happen. It has been observed that if the situation remains favorable and peaceful, it improves the functioning of the government,” the CM said.
The Chief Minister said at his early address, “We now need to focus on things that are under our control and work to reduce the difficulties faced by the common people.”
He instructed the officials to ensure that their efforts are beyond the administrative offices during this work season. He said, “We do not need to ban our work in the Civil Secretariat, as the matter was during the budget session. Now there is a good opportunity to see the implementation of projects on the ground,” he said.
He called upon all departments to focus on delivery and accountability. The Chief Minister said, “Let’s focus on deliverys. So that now six months from now, when we have to go to Jammu, we can really sit with a list of all positive developments and changes that, despite the circumstances, we were able to make here,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to the budget passed in the Legislative Assembly in March this year, CM Omar Abdullah said that while the opinion may be different, the responsibility of the government lies in its execution. He said, “Now it is our duty that the budget that the Legislative has passed, the budget that this government brought to the assembly and approved it, we will implement budget decisions and review meetings will be held with the concerned departments and agencies,” he commented.
He outlined the importance of using budgetary allocation and implementing the District Capex Scheme on the ground. “Because it is the season of work, he said, especially keeping in mind the brief window available for developmental works in the winter field.
The Chief Minister said that a detailed review will be done with the Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary and the departments. He said, “Where there will be obstacles, we will take necessary decisions to overcome those obstacles,” he said, urging the development departments – including Shakti, R&B, PHE, health and social welfare – to accelerate the pace of work.
While touching the widespread national support for the development of J&K, CM Omar shared a details of his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the highest level in the Government of India wants to see that the Pahgam attack in any way should not be derailed by the governance and development process in Jammu and Kashmir. He said, “This is our responsibility, which has to be taken care of.”
Accepting the adverse effects of recent events on the tourism sector, the Chief Minister called for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience for the pilgrims. He emphasized that civil administration has its own responsibilities which we have to fulfill at any cost.
On the much awaited rail-to-Kashmir project, the Chief Minister hoped that the inauguration was set for April 19, but was postponed due to bad weather. He said, “The sooner we inaugurate the bridge and train, the sooner the rumors will end and the rail will benefit us,” he said.
Confirming his commitment to the government, he said, “What we manage to control is the areas of governance that are directly our responsibility. And in this we all are sitting in this room … people have put us here to work together to meet their expectations.”
He concluded with a call for unity and purpose, “I am here only because I want to distribute something for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is my sole purpose, this is the purpose of my colleagues. And I am sure that your purpose is the same.”
Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulu welcomed the Chief Minister and members of the Council of Ministers at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and said that there are all arrangements for the smooth functioning of the offices in the Civil Secretariat Srinagar.
