JAMMU, Dec 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that development in Jammu and Kashmir has been somewhat hindered this year due to consecutive elections, but he has instructed officers to expedite progress in the remaining three and a half months of the current financial year.
In a brief interaction with the media after a review meeting in district Samba, Omar explained that the timing of the two elections necessitated the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which slowed down developmental activities.
“We have now instructed officials to accelerate development for the rest of this month and for the next three months of the upcoming financial year,” he mentioned. The review meeting was attended by all five Cabinet Ministers and senior civil administration officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had evaluated developmental issues in the border district of Poonch alongside all Ministers and top officials. He urged the administration to ensure effective execution of developmental projects at the grassroots level and emphasized the importance of satisfactory completion of these works.
Regarding the controversy involving Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra carrying a Palestine bag in Parliament, Omar refrained from commenting, stating he had not seen the proceedings. “I will comment only after I reach Jammu and watch the news,” he said.
When asked about the government’s functioning under the Lieutenant Governor compared to his own administration, Omar deemed it a complex question that couldn’t be answered on the spot. He paid tribute to tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who passed away in a San Francisco hospital the previous night, expressing that his loss has created a significant cultural void.
He acknowledged Zakir’s achievements, including Grammy awards and Padma honors. Emphasizing the need for timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) for funds from the Central Government, Omar remarked, “When we approach the Central Government—whether speaking with a Minister or seeking financial aid for Jammu and Kashmir—the usual complaint is late UCs.
Timely submissions will ensure ongoing financial support and effective use of resources.” Omar remarked on the increase in public expectations and pressures with the return of MLAs after 2018, urging coordinated efforts to meet the community’s demands effectively.
He also highlighted the rising issue of drug addiction over the past decade, calling for collaborative efforts to combat its effects. “Despite securing international borders, the problem remains due to inflow from other regions.
It’s essential to tackle this issue at its root for the benefit of Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated, assuring that the Deputy Chief Minister has already instructed the District Collectors and officials to promptly address the matter.
