Asserts no regional bias, prioritises inclusivity in J&K
Stands firm on Darbar Move, says it symbolizes unity, not meant for financial gains
Holds interaction with Civil Society Jammu
JAMMU, DEC 11: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday said that his government is committed to fulfill all the promises made in NC’s manifesto and, first and foremost, the age old Darbar Move practice will be restored in this erstwhile State.
He stated this on the sidelines of an interaction meeting with members of Jammu’s civil society at his official residence on Wazarat Road.
This marks his first engagement with Jammu’s civil society since assuming office. The meeting emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance and regional equity, with a special focus on the restoration of the Darbar Move and the need for balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir.
A similar interaction was held with civil society representatives in Kashmir on October 30.
Addressing concerns of regional bias, the Chief Minister emphasised, “This government is not just for those who voted for the National Conference; it is the government of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite attempts by some to exploit regional divides, we have consistently prioritized inclusivity and equity.” He further stressed the importance of his decision to appoint a Deputy Chief Minister from Jammu, underscoring that the region is as integral to the government as Kashmir.
One of the key issues discussed was the Darbar Move, a 150-year-old administrative tradition that the Chief Minister reaffirmed will be revived. “The Darbar Move symbolizes the unity and inclusivity of Jammu and Kashmir. It ensures governance remains accessible to both regions. Ending this would harm the collective unity we strive to preserve,” he stated, dismissing financial objections to the tradition.
The Chief Minister also addressed Jammu’s underutilized tourism potential. “Over one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi annually, but we have yet to tap into even 15% of this potential. If we can redirect a fraction of these pilgrims, Jammu’s economy can transform,” he noted. He announced plans for a craft and culture fair, modeled on the Surajkund Mela, to boost tourism and showcase the region’s rich heritage.
The meeting also brought attention to other pressing issues. The Chief Minister assured that Smart City projects in Jammu are nearing completion, with plans for further infrastructure modernization in both Jammu and Srinagar.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community, the Chief Minister stated, “While their return depends on restoring a sense of security among the community, we are committed to improving their living conditions and addressing their grievances.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for regular dialogue with civil society to maintain a pulse on ground realities. Unlike in the past, when such meetings were convened only during crises, he committed to holding biannual interactions—twice each in both the regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our goal is to maintain a continuous dialogue with you. By our next meeting, we will present an action-taken report outlining the progress on issues discussed today,” he assured.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked the participants for accepting his invitation, emphasizing the significance of such meetings for the government authorities to receive valuable feedback from outside four walls of their offices.
“Whether you benefit from these meetings or not, my colleagues and I certainly do. These interactions provide us with an opportunity to hear your thoughts on our work and governance directly,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the participants for their valuable insights and suggestions.
“Your feedback and ground realities help us improve our governance. I hope that when we meet again, you will continue to provide your constructive input to guide us in serving Jammu and Kashmir better,” he said.
On the occasion, the civil society members hailed the initiative and termed it as a step towards transparent and inclusive governance, and said the much needed interaction has set the tone for fostering stronger ties between the government and the people it serves.
The interaction programme was attended and addressed by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani. Senior officials from the civil and police administration were also present during the outreach session.
