CM meets several delegations at his Raabita Office in Srinagar
The programme witnessed participation of several public delegations, representatives, and individuals from diverse sectors who apprised the Chief Minister of various pressing problems and concerns requiring his attention, an official spokesman said.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani was also present during the outreach programme.
Among the prominent delegations was one representing the residents of Saderkoot Payeen, Ajas area Bandipora, seeking the Chief Minister's intervention for the expeditious disbursement of compensation to Wular land dwellers affected by developmental works.
Another delegation raised the matter of the delayed release of withheld recommendations for Class IV posts, urging the CM for immediate redressal.
A deputation of Junior Anesthesia Assistants from the Health & Medical Education Department urged the finalization of the long-pending selection process.
In an important academic interaction, Professor Fayaz Ahmad Nika, Dean & Head of the School of Business at Central University of Kashmir, presented key findings from a study on the NRLM/UEED programmes, underlining their role in enhancing women's empowerment and employment generation in the Ganderbal district.
The Jehlum Riverside House Rehabilitation Union from Habba Kadal Ganpatyar submitted a memorandum seeking allotment of land at Rakhi Aarth for the permanent rehabilitation of landless families displaced along the Jehlum river.
Likewise, a delegation from the Local Youth Coordination Committee, Chattabal, requested the construction of a playground in their area, emphasizing the need for sports infrastructure.
A deputation from the Sangarmal Traders Welfare Association called for the resolution of multiple pending issues affecting traders at the Sangarmal Shopping Complex.
Representatives of both private and cooperative Kerosene Oil Dealers, under their president, appealed for the restoration of kerosene supplies—particularly for horticulturists and agriculturists operating power-driven machinery.
Mechanical engineering graduates and engineers highlighted the need for assured career progression.
The Tempo Travelers Association, Srinagar, sought a temporary waiver of EMI payments on vehicles in light of the ongoing financial stress on transport operators.
Khair-ul-Nisa, Principal Advisor to the World Trade Center Association in New York and World Trade Center India, held a high-level discussion on major investment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir and proposed the establishment of a World Trade Center in the region.
Academicians Prof. Hanief and Prof. Talat discussed the critical issue of NAAC accreditation for Islamia College and sought the government's support in strengthening institutional standards.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a patient hearing to all deputations and assured sympathetic consideration of their demands.
He reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to participatory governance, inclusive development, and responsive public administration.
'We remain committed to responsive governance and to addressing public concerns with sincerity and urgency,' Omar Abdullah said.
UNI MJR BD
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
15 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Nothing will happen tomorrow: Omar on statehood restoration speculations
On the eve of sixth anniversary of abrogation of Article 370, the J&K was abuzz with rumors about statehood restoration. Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (ANI) The rumors prompted J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah to issue a statement on a social media. 'I've heard every possible permutation & combination about what to expect in J&K tomorrow so let me stick my neck out and say nothing will happen tomorrow - fortunately nothing bad will happen but unfortunately nothing positive will happen either. I'm still optimistic about something positive for J&K in this monsoon session of Parliament but not tomorrow. And no, I haven't had any meetings or conversations with people in Delhi. This is just a gut feeling. Let's see this time tomorrow,' Omar wrote on X. Social media was abuzz with speculations. 'Though I know good news could be there. Keeping in view the past experience anything is possible,' said a sitting legislator. Former J&K DGP, SP Vaid also wrote on X saying something big is going to happen on August 5. 'Modi Govt planning something on Aug 5? Maybe. Maybe not. The Modi Govt is known for playing its cards close to the chest which means no one really knows what's coming, if at all something happens. Let's not fall for rumors or panic-driven forwards. Trust only official sources. Stay calm, stay alert. Jai Hind,' he wrote on X. Former Chinar Corps Commander and veteran Army officer KJS Dhillon also wrote on speculation on August 5. 'There is a lot of speculation about what may be announced tomorrow (5th Aug).The peace in Kashmir has come about at a great cost of human lives of security forces personnel and innocent civilians. It's fragile still as was evident from the Pahalgam terror attack. For the sake of those who laid down their lives in this journey of peace as also those whose lives are going to be impacted by any decision on it, we should not rush into any hasty decision.'
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Six years after Article 370 abrogation, where does J&K stand
It is now six years since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs). The decision of August 5, 2019 was billed as the turning point that would usher in peace and development, and pave the way for the closer integration of the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. Since then, political activity has resumed in J&K, including the formation of a new government which is now pushing for full statehood. But the Pahalgam terror attack has added a new dimension to the security question. Here's a look at how and where the needle has — or has not — moved on the ground over the past six years. Politics: Back to representation, but with curtailed powers The return of democratic representation was seen as a major milestone in the Centre's post-August 5 roadmap in J&K. But the political dynamics remain fraught with tensions and compromises. The National Conference (NC) leads a government with reduced powers. Just before the election, control over police and services was given to the Lieutenant Governor, limiting the authority of the elected dispensation. The Omar Abdullah Cabinet's first decision was a resolution for the restoration of statehood, after which the Chief Minister visited Delhi for meetings. The NC's cautiously worded resolution reaffirmed 'special status' and called for dialogue, while Mehbooba Mufti's PDP took a more aggressive line. The NC's dilemma lies in balancing its ideological commitment to Article 370 with the constraints of politics in a situation where it has limited powers. In an interview with The Indian Express, Omar conceded that the fight for Article 370 would not yield immediate results from those who 'took it away'. A senior Union government source said New Delhi views Omar as a 'pragmatic politician' who is capable of negotiating within the current structure. However, the CM's recent move to reinstate July 13 as Martyrs' Day in J&K, and his attempt to visit the graves of those killed in protests against Maharaja Hari Singh's rule as policemen jostled with him, show that the relationship between the Centre and the UT government are tenuous at best. Security: A mixed record marred by Pahalgam attack The Centre's strongest argument for the 2019 decisions was that it would curb terrorism. Six years on, the data do show a significant decline in violence. Only 28 terrorists have been killed in 2025 so far, down from 67 in 2024. Local recruitment has fallen drastically from 129 in 2019 to just 1 this year. In 2024, 28 civilians were killed; all 26 deaths reported this year have occurred in a single incident — the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Incidents of stone throwing, hartals, abductions, and the snatching of weapons are down to zero. The Jammu region, which saw cross-border incursions and frequent attacks on security forces over the past three years, now reports far fewer encounters. But the Pahalgam attack broke the narrative of normalcy, and exposed gaps in security preparedness, especially in the newly opened tourist zones. Officials concede that the security planning underestimated the risks that tourists faced. In response to the attacks, India launched Operation Sindoor, destroying terror targets deep inside Pakistan. Last month, security forces claimed to have killed all three Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Economy: Investments surge, but core challenges remain INVESTMENTS: The Centre launched a new industrial scheme in 2021 promising incentives to attract investments. Proposed investments in J&K now total Rs 1.63 lakh crore, of which more than Rs 50,000 crore is in various stages of operationalisation. Production has begun in 359 industrial units; another 1,424 units are in advanced stages of completion. The government says investment realisation in 2024-25 is 10 times more than the pre-2020 period. REVENUES: J&K has seen a sharp uptick in tax revenues: GST collection increased by 12%, excise by 39%, and overall non-tax revenues rose 25% between 2022 and 2024. The state's GDP doubled from Rs 1.17 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs 2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24, and hit Rs 2.63 lakh crore in 2024-25. POWER: Following power sector reforms, 5.74 lakh smart meters were installed by mid-2024, reducing transmission and distribution losses by 25%. By December 2026, J&K administration sources said, power generation is expected to double. The government has spent nearly Rs 10,000 crore on firming up transmission and distribution infrastructure. Yet, J&K remains energy-deficient, particularly in winter. Its 3,500 MW installed capacity drops to 600-650 MW in winter, forcing it to rely on central allocations. FINANCIAL HEALTH: J&K Bank went from a loss of Rs 1,139 crore in 2019-20 to a profit of Rs 1,700 crore in 2023-24. NPA levels have halved. However, the fiscal deficit remains high, the economy is heavily reliant on central grants (up to 70% of expenditure), and core sectors like agriculture and industry contribute far less than services. Tourism: Showcase now under shadow of security concerns In 2023, a record 2.11 crore tourists visited J&K, and tourism contributed 7% to the GDP. The tourism boom was seen as evidence of the post-Article 370 normalcy. The Pahalgam attack and subsequent security lockdown of 50 tourist spots were a severe blow. After 2019, 75 new destinations were opened. Homestays were encouraged, and nearly 2,000 were registered, especially in remote villages. But gaps in risk assessment and laxity in adherence to seasonal tourism guidelines created vulnerabilities, particularly in high-altitude regions with militant activity. Private investment in tourism remains sluggish despite incentives. Only five hotels have opted into the new industrial scheme. Projects like Radisson's 200-room hotel in Srinagar and JW Marriott's 150-room property in Pahalgam are exceptions. Officials cite limited availability of suitable land as a bottleneck. In response to the Pahalgam attack, the administration shut 50 destinations and initiated a comprehensive security review. Since then, 16 such destinations have been reopened for tourists. But adventure tourism may now be limited to areas with a significant presence of security forces. The Pahalgam incident is a sobering reminder that despite the downward trend in militancy, the threat has not disappeared. Even so, the government sees tourism as a vital economic lever and a tool for youth engagement.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Article 370 abrogation's anniversary today: Amid buzz, Omar trusts his ‘gut feeling', Mehbooba wary
A day before the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 that granted Jammu and Kashmir's special Constitutional status, the Union Territory's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said 'nothing bad will happen' on Tuesday. His comments came amid a flurry of high-level meetings in Delhi that set the rumour mills abuzz. 'I've heard every possible permutation & combination about what to expect in J&K tomorrow, so let me stick my neck out and say nothing will happen tomorrow — fortunately nothing bad will happen but unfortunately nothing positive will happen either. I'm still optimistic about something positive for J&K in this monsoon session of Parliament but not tomorrow,' Omar posted on X. The CM said this was his 'gut feeling'. 'And no, I haven't had any meetings or conversations with people in Delhi. This is just a gut feeling. Let's see this time tomorrow,' he added. Differing with Omar, former CM and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said she expects 'something worse will happen'. 'I have my apprehensions, you know, something like what they did in 2019. They broke up, dismembered the state, they broke it into parts, you know, dispossessed us. Their main target was Muslims, especially Kashmiris. So, I feel something worse may be in the offing to disempower us further, dismember us,' she told The Indian Express when asked if she expects Jammu Kashmir to get back its statehood. A day after both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu separately, Shah on Monday met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, and Home Secretary Govind Mohan in his office in Parliament House. The speculation gained momentum recently after the government suspended the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage on August 1, citing 'maintenance works of urgent nature' on both routes to the cave shrine in south Kashmir because of heavy rains. On Tuesday, Modi is expected to address the NDA parliamentary party meeting. This meeting of the ruling alliance's MPs comes a couple of days before the window to nominate a candidate for the Vice-Presidential election opens. The NDA candidate's election is a near certainty due to the alliance's majority in the electoral last day to file the nomination is August 21, which is also when the Monsoon Session concludes. The PM is expected to counter the Opposition on a host of issues that it has been raising, including the Election Commission's (EC) alleged partisan role and the ongoing electoral roll verification in Bihar.
