Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged ministers and senior officials to expedite development initiatives and ensure the effective deployment of allocated funds. This directive was issued on the first day of government offices reopening in Jammu following the traditional Darbar Move, a biannual administrative relocation between the summer and winter capitals of Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister presided over an introductory meeting at the Civil Secretariat, bringing together his cabinet colleagues and key civil administration officers to mark the resumption of winter functioning in Jammu.
The meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, all ministers, the Chief Minister’s Advisor, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries, department heads, and senior civil and police officials, underscored the critical nature of the upcoming six-month period. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Chief Minister emphasized the need to accelerate development activities and optimize the utilization of departmental budgets during this crucial phase. He specifically instructed all departments to enhance their execution pace and ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects across the region.
Furthermore, Omar Abdullah directed newly appointed ministers and those with newly assigned portfolios to conduct thorough reviews of their respective departments. These reviews are intended to assess the progress made in implementing the commitments announced in the previous Budget. This strategic push aims to ensure accountability and tangible results in governance and public service delivery.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Civil Secretariat, a customary reception marking the commencement of administrative operations. He also inaugurated several infrastructure projects valued at Rs 1.89 crore within the Civil Secretariat complex. These enhancements are designed to improve office infrastructure and facilities for both employees and visitors. Among the inaugurated projects was a newly constructed pre-fabricated office accommodation block, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 158.09 lakh, funded under the CAPEX budget. Additionally, a renovated Reception Hall at the main entrance gate of the Civil Secretariat, completed at a cost of Rs 31.10 lakh, was also commissioned as part of the Maintenance and Repairs (M&R) component.
In a separate engagement, the Chief Minister visited Shiv Market, a commercial area near the Jammu Railway Station that was recently devastated by a massive fire. The blaze gutted dozens of shops, leaving a significant portion of the bustling market in ruins. During his visit, Omar Abdullah assessed the extent of the destruction and engaged with the affected businessmen who incurred substantial financial losses due to the fire. This visit highlights the administration’s attention to disaster impact and support for affected communities.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, was also welcomed by senior officers and staff at the Assembly Secretariat. This marked the first day of the Assembly Secretariat’s winter functioning in Jammu. Senior officials and staff extended greetings to the Speaker on the commencement of their duties in the winter capital. Interacting with the assembled officers and staff, Speaker Rather commended their dedication and commitment to ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat. He stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism, discipline, and efficiency in carrying out official responsibilities.
The Speaker also called for enhanced coordination among the various branches of the Secretariat to facilitate the timely disposal of official business and ensure seamless service delivery. He underscored the necessity of adopting a responsive, transparent, and public-oriented approach in all administrative dealings, particularly in facilitating the efficient conduct of legislative affairs. This emphasis on inter-branch synergy and public engagement is seen as crucial for strengthening the legislative process and public trust.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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