Cabinet reviews 100-day agenda, promises made in manifesto

Jammu, Nov 22: J&K cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Friday reviewed the government’s 100-day target, encompassing its promises related to addressing unemployment, expediting recruitment processes. It deliberated ways and means to achieve this avowed objective as a solemn pledge made to people.

Minister for Jal Shakti and Forests, Javed Rana, in his post cabinet meeting briefing, stated that the Chief Minister asked all the ministers to initiate exercise to expedite recruitment process in their respective departments.

This was the second cabinet meeting of the newly elected government, since its assumption of office on October 16, 2024 and maiden in Jammu after the offices resumed functioning in the winter capital on November 11.

All the ministers and the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo participated in the meeting held at the Chief Minister’s residence.

RESERVATION POLICY
When asked about the threat of NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah to stage dharna outside the Chief Minister’s residence if the government did not keep its word to rationalise reservation policy, Rana said, “Chief Minister has directed to form a cabinet sub-committee which will speak to all stakeholders. The move is in alignment with the government’s promise made in its manifesto. Everything possible will be done for public welfare and interest. Discussions are imperative to evolve consensus on these crucial aspects so that none should feel being robbed of their rights.”

100-DAY TARGET OF GOVT
With regard to ‘100-days target’ of the government, Rana said, “We have completed one month in office and in the next two months, we will make all out efforts to achieve our target as promised to the people. We deliberated on it during the cabinet meeting. Our all collective efforts are driven to accomplish that mission.”

“Some matters were discussed during the meeting under routine agenda, particularly with reference to winter preparedness.

The winter has set in and snowfall is anticipated soon. We pray for it (snowfall) to happen sooner than later. Deliberations regarding the under construction Legislature complex also took place. Its construction has already been delayed. Instructions have been given to expedite the process,” he said.

“The address delivered by Lieutenant Governor (LG) during the maiden session of J&K Legislative Assembly in Srinagar too was discussed thoroughly. LG’s address, which defines the government's priorities, has been approved by the cabinet following intense deliberations and implementation will follow,” Rana said.

EMPLOYMENT, RECRUITMENT
Regarding queries about employment and recruitment process, Rana said, “Yes, this is a very crucial aspect, which is an integral part of our manifesto. All the ministers have been asked by the Chief Minister to initiate an exercise vis-a-vis expedited recruitment process after identifying vacant posts in their respective departments. These all will be part of our 100-day target, which is part of the election manifesto.”

In response to a question regarding “missing posts for Hindi and Sanskrit lecturers” in 575 posts of lecturers advertised by Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), the Minister said, “Subject-wise deliberations were not made. However the cabinet definitely discussed the number of posts to be referred to JKPSC or JKSSB. Effort will be made to ensure that the posts are advertised in the given time-frame as many posts are vacant in different departments.”

12 GAS CYLINDERS
Did the cabinet also deliberate on the government’s promise to provide 12 gas cylinders? Responding to this query, Rana said, “See, all those promises, which are part of our election manifesto, have attained the shape of a government document.

Rest assured whatever the government has promised whether regarding cylinders or other welfare measures, will be implemented in their true letter and spirit. The Chief Minister has given directions to all the ministers to look into those measures related to their departments and initiate exercises to implement them.”

Regarding management of funds for it (12 cylinders), he said, “Yes, it will be done. We will speak to the Government of India as well.”

Regarding the continuous uproar on resolution on special status passed in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Rana stated that after its passage, it required no discussion in the cabinet. He said that no discussions took place on the budget session as still there was time for it and presently preparations were underway.

In response to a question about Kashmiri Pandits’ return and rehabilitation, he reiterated, “National Conference has always maintained that Kashmiriyat is incomplete without the presence of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. We are committed to it and their return and rehabilitation with dignity forms part of our priority list. We are committed to an inclusive society by taking along all sections, castes and communities.”

He stated that issues related to age relaxation, daily wagers too were deliberated at length during the meeting. “Daily wagers’ issue is very critical and the Chief Minister has asked the ministers to look into this aspect on priority,” Rana said.