Omar concerned over ‘hybrid governance system’, warns officers against exploiting it

Srinagar, Oct 28: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed concern over ‘hybrid governance system’ in the Union Territory, and warned officers against exploiting the loopholes "in this system"..

Omar also said he has received assurances from the highest level at the centre that commitments made to J&K particularly with regard to governance model will change soon.

Omar expressed these remarks while addressing cabinet ministers and administrative secretaries in Civil Secretariat Srinagar.

“…I would [like to] tell you in no uncertain terms that there is zero tolerance for this [corruption]. But I am also acutely aware that we have unfortunately at the moment rather hybrid system of operating. And I have a feeling, and I am going to say regardless of the consequences some may feel they can exploit the system for 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 a temporary phase,” Omar Abdullah said.

On recent meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and others in New Delhi, Omar Abdullah said that he has received assurances at the highest level that the ongoing governance model of J&K will change soon.

“I have just come back from very successful meetings from New Delhi. I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to J&K particularly with regard to governance model will change. And therefore, if there is anybody who believes that somehow that UT will shield you from the consequences of practices which go against this pledge, please remember the shield may last temporarily. But it is only temporary,” Omar Abdullah said.

“Once the full statehood to J&K is restored there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantages to be taken by playing against one another,” said Omar Abdullah.