Centre’s highest level firm Pahalgam attack won’t stall J&K’s development: CM Omar

Srinagar, May 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that the highest level at the Centre wants to see that in no way should the Pahalgam attack derail the process of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the functioning of offices at civil secretariat in Srinagar, CM Omar while touching on the broader national support for J&Ks development shared details of his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the highest level in Government of India (GoI) wants to see that in no way should Pahalgam attack derail the process of governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir.

That is our responsibility which we will have to take care of, he said in his opening address while marking the formal resumption of official work by ministers and Administrative Secretaries in the summer capital Srinagar.

The CM emphasised that the efforts of the government should become visible in the coming six months in terms of governance, delivery of public services, and overall improvement in the functioning of the government across J&K.

He stressed that governance must not remain confined to the civil secretariat or government offices alone.

CM Omar emphasised the need for start of development activities, implementation of budget announcements, and efficient governance amid current challenges.

After six months, we are back to Srinagar civil secretariat. The environment in which we were hoping the offices would open, expecting normal business did not happen. It has been seen that if the situation remains conducive and peaceful, it improves the functioning of the government,î he said.

We need now to focus on things that are under our control and work to ease the difficulties faced by common people, the CM said.

He directed officers to ensure that their efforts during this working season go beyond administrative offices.

We do not have to restrict our work to the civil secretariat, as was the case during the budget session. Now is a good opportunity to see the implementation of projects on the ground,î CM Omar said.

He called upon all departments to concentrate on delivery and accountability.

Lets focus on the deliverables so that six months from now, when we have to move to Jammu, we can actually sit down with a list of all the positive developments and changes that in spite of the circumstances, we were able to make here, the CM said.

Referring to the budget passed in the Legislative Assembly this year in March, he said that while opinions might differ, the governments obligation lies in its execution.

ìBut now it is our duty, that the budget that the assembly passed, the budget that this government brought to the assembly and got it approved, we will implement the budget decisions and hold review meetings with concerned departments and agencies, CM Omar said.

He underscored the importance of utilising the budgetary allocations and implementing the District Capex plan on the ground.

Because this is the works season, the CM said, noting the brief window available for developmental works, particularly in the winter zone.

He said that a detailed review would be held with the Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary, and departments.

Where there would be obstacles, we will take the necessary decisions to remove those hurdles,î CM Omar said, urging development departments including Power, R&B, PHE, Health, and Social Welfare to accelerate their pace of work.

Acknowledging the adverse impact of recent events on the tourism sector, he called for a collective effort to ensure a smooth Amarnath Yatra without any inconvenience to the pilgrims.

The CM emphasised that the civil administration has its own responsibilities which it would have to fulfil at any cost.

On the much-anticipated train to Kashmir project, he expressed hope that the inauguration - originally scheduled for April 19 but postponed due to inclement weather - would happen soon.

The sooner we inaugurate the bridge and the train, the sooner the rumours will end and the rail will benefit us,î CM Omar said.

Reaffirming his commitment to governance, he said, ìWhat we manage to control are the areas of governance that are directly our responsibility. And therein lies the role of all of us sitting in this roomÖ The people have put us here to work together to deliver on their expectations.

The CM called for unity and purpose saying, ìI am here only because I want to deliver something for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is my only aim, that is the aim of my colleagues. And Im sure that your aim is the same as well.î

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar, and Satish Sharma attended the meeting.

Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, all administrative secretaries, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, and other senior officers attended the meeting.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary welcomed the CM and members of the Council of Ministers at the civil secretariat in Srinagar and said that all arrangements were in place for the smooth functioning of offices at the civil secretariat Srinagar.