No more excuses, I want work on ground: Dy CM grills officers over snow clearance delay
Abid Bashir
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25 Jan 2026
Says people’s feedback, not explanations will guide governance
Srinagar, Jan 25: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday sent out a strong and unmistakable message to officials over delayed road clearance after snowfall—excuses and mere explanations will no longer be tolerated.
Holding a video conference with officials from Tangmarg, Handwara and Kupwara, the Deputy CM grilled Chief Engineer, Executive Engineers and senior officers over what he described as poor coordination and lack of seriousness on the ground.
“I will not tolerate this,” Choudhary told reporters in Srinagar, as he demanded accountability and real-time action instead of explanations.
An official attempted to explain that there had been a “miscommunication” regarding the point at which vehicles were supposed to be halted during snow clearance operations, but the Deputy CM cut short such reasoning, making it clear that administrative lapses would not be brushed aside. “I don’t want lame excuses. I want work visible on the ground,” he said.
Choudhary said he had personally rushed to Kashmir and chose not to rest at his home after landing, only to be met with complaints from across the Valley. “I was promised the sky by the Chief Engineer. But with just a little snowfall, I am getting complaints from everywhere,” he said, expressing disappointment over preparedness. He also pointed out that a specific model of control room had been suggested earlier, but was nowhere to be seen during the snowfall crisis.
Stressing a people-first approach, the Deputy CM said he had repeatedly instructed officials to remain in constant touch with local MLAs and rely on feedback from the ground. “I believe in the feedback of people and their representatives,” he said, adding that even the media should inform him if there is any callousness on the part of officers. “I counter-check allegations myself, but I have clearly told the Chief Engineer that I won’t tolerate negligence.”
Reacting sharply to someone referring to an official as “Bechara”, Choudhary said such an attitude reflected the deeper malaise within the system. “I am not going to tolerate this word. Officers who love to be called ‘Bechara’ should sit in their homes,” he remarked, drawing applause from those present.
The Deputy CM announced that he would conduct surprise visits on Tuesday to personally assess snow clearance operations. “I will see with my own eyes what is happening on the ground,” he told reporters in Srinagar.
Touching upon the upcoming budget, Choudhary said it would be people-friendly and pro-poor, with every decision aimed at benefiting the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. At the same time, he reminded people of the structural realities. “This is a Union Territory, not a State. There is a funding difference, and we do face difficulties,” he said. “But that cannot be an excuse for inaction. We are here to serve the people.”
Looking ahead, he asked citizens to judge the government by its performance over its full term. “When we complete five years and go to elections, people can judge us,” he said, urging the public to keep faith in the government. “We promise to fulfil every commitment made in our manifesto.”
Abid Bashir
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