J&K CM Omar Abdullah calls for data-driven planning

United News of India

26-05-2025

Srinagar, May 26 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for data-driven planning to guide the Union Territory towards the long-term goal of Viksit J & K by 2047.
He underlined the importance of setting short-term, district-level goals rooted in data analysis and tailored to the specific needs and potential of each region.
He stated this while chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department at the Civil Secretariat, where detailed presentations were made on three critical initiatives — the Sustainable Development Goals Coordination Centre (SDGCC), District Domestic Product (DDP), and the District Good Governance Index (DGGI).
'What we now require is targeted district-level planning — identifying where the potential lies and where gaps need to be filled. These short-term objectives will cumulatively guide us toward our long-term goal of Viksit Jammu & Kashmir by 2047,' he said.
He cautioned against focusing solely on the distant 2047 horizon, emphasising the need to set medium- and short-term benchmarks that allow for real-time performance tracking and corrective action.
The Chief Minister welcomed the data presented during the meeting, especially insights from Mission Yuva, and called for its integration into sectoral planning across departments.
Referring to Mission Yuva and the DGGI reports, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of using this data constructively.
'These findings must improve our planning and programmes. I urge all line departments and district administrations to reorient their schemes in a manner that addresses the issues highlighted by both data sets,' he said.
He said that the District Good Governance Index should not be perceived as a ranking of 'good versus bad' governance, but as a barometer of 'good to better' governance.
'Districts that have shown strong performance must continue to lead by example, while those that lag must be supported to identify structural gaps and implement reforms. Any such systemic constraints should be immediately brought to the Secretariat's attention for resolution,' he added.
Touching upon Jammu & Kashmir's performance in national rankings, the Chief Minister shared a balanced view.
'While we are currently ranked second among Union Territories, that comparison is limited given the nature of UTs. What is more important — and encouraging — is our 10th place rank nationally. That shows we're holding our ground, but we must do better,' he remarked.
Abdullah expressed gratitude to NITI Aayog and UNDP for their sustained technical support.
The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of focused and data-backed governance.
'Let us approach our goals step by step — start with targeted short-term interventions at the district level, scale up to territory-wide strategies, and ultimately work towards the overarching vision of Viksit Jammu & Kashmir 2047,' he added. UNI MJR SSP