Govt performed poorly regarding jobs: Mian Altaf
Srinagar, Oct 26: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Sunday advised the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to improve its performance and take immediate steps to resolve people’s issues. Speaking at the 4th Halla Bolle Conclave at Radisson Collection, Srinagar, Altaf criticised the government for its poor performance regarding the recruitment process.
He held the government responsible for delaying the recruitment process saying it would have provided livelihood to many educated unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, the MP from the Anantnag-Rajouri segment was quick to add that he was saying this as a well-wisher of CM Omar.
He said that he would never deceive CM Omar by saying “everything is right”.
“CM Omar Sahab has a huge responsibility and he shouldn’t disappoint people,” the veteran NC leader said. “It will be wrong if I say Omar Sahab is on the right track. That would be deceiving him. He must see what rights and limits he has and how he can better serve the people who elected him.”
He said that the NC had promised in its manifesto to provide jobs to youth; however, the government had not started any significant recruitment process yet.
“I think the government should have started the recruitment process by advertising various vacancies in different departments from day one of the government formation. However, surprisingly, the government has performed poorly regarding it, leaving thousands of unemployed educated youth and their families in stress,” Altaf said.
He said that the recruitment process should be transparent and fair so that the youth do not face any inconvenience.
Altaf said that despite the fact that there may be certain compulsions, the elected government should do what is in its power.
He said that Kashmir’s political leadership had become consumed by debates over who aligns with or opposes the BJP, while people’s concerns remain ignored.
“The CM should be the one talking about the people’s welfare,” the senior NC leader said.
He said that no meaningful progress on political issues had taken place in J&K since the formation of the new government.
“There has been no progress on political issues in J&K since this government took charge,” Altaf said.
He said that the CM should introspect and focus on governance rather than rhetoric.
The NC leader said that the government should improve its performance, and CM Omar, as the head of the government, should hold discussions and deliberations for good governance.
Later, speaking to Greater Kashmir on the sidelines of the conclave, he said that it was the right of an elected representative to raise people’s issues and concerns to get them heard and solved, and that was what every one of them should do.
Altaf said that he was not following anyone’s footsteps rather speaking of his own conscience and experience.
“I shouldn’t be dragged or tagged with anyone else,” he said.
Member of Parliament from Srinagar-Budgam, Aga Syed Ruhulla, was also present at the conclave.
Altaf said that Ruhulla was like his younger brother and a good friend who has his own views.
“It is the party leadership who has to see this and address his concerns. If there is any proper platform where I have to speak, I will talk to both Aga Ruhulla and the party high command,” he said.
Earlier, reacting to CM Omar’s remarks on smart meter installation, Altaf said, “It will be better for Omar Sahab to speak thoughtfully and with understanding.”
On the Deputy Chief Minister’s comments targeting Aga Ruhullah, he said, “Everyone knows who Aga Ruhullah is. Anyone speaking against him will not harm his credibility.”
