CM concerned over ‘hybrid governance system’

Srinagar, Oct 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed concern over the ‘hybrid governance system’ in Jammu and Kashmir and warned officers against exploiting the loopholes “in this system”.

Speaking on the sidelines of a Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 function at the civil secretariat here during which the CM administered the Integrity Pledge reinforcing the commitment of the government to integrity and transparency in public service, the CM as per a video circulated by the Information Department said he had received assurances from the highest level at the Centre that commitments made to J&K, particularly with regard to governance model would change soon.

He expressed these remarks while addressing cabinet ministers and administrative secretaries.

“Ordinarily I would tell you in no uncertain terms that there is zero tolerance for this and as far as I'm concerned there is but I'm also acutely aware that we have unfortunately at the moment a rather hybrid system of (governance) operating and I have a feeling and I'm going to say this regardless of the consequences some may feel that they can exploit this system to their advantage that they can find loopholes in this system that we have in J&K at the moment but please rest assured this is very much a temporary phase,” the CM said.

On recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and others in New Delhi, he said that he had just come back from successful meetings in Delhi.

“I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly with regard to our governance model will change and therefore if there is anybody who believes that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences of practices that go against this pledge, please remember the shield may last temporarily but it is only temporary and that once full statehood is restored to J&K there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantages to be taken by playing one against the other,” the CM said. “So please keep that in mind as we now conduct ourselves over the course because this is an annual thing.”