Jammu: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra called on Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah and discussed a wide range of organisational matters besides several issues of immense public importance requiring sustained attention of the government.
During the meeting, Sadhotra complimented the Chief Minister for his people-centric approach and urged that the momentum of governance be maintained by ensuring the timely implementation of welfare measures announced by the government.
He lauded the massive protest held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 in support of the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a strong and united expression of the aspirations of the people. He said the demand for restoration of statehood transcends political considerations and represents the democratic rights and constitutional aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadhotra said the cadre will continue to pursue vigorously restoration of statehood under the leadership of the party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at every appropriate forum until the commitment made to the people is fulfilled. He said that restoration of full statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring greater public participation in governance and accelerating the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadhotra urged the Chief Minister to expedite the process of the distribution of one free LPG cylinder to every Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) family in accordance with the assurance made in the Budget. He said the timely implementation of this welfare measure would provide much-needed relief to economically weaker families struggling with rising household expenses due to anti- poor policies of the Centre.
Sadhotra also stressed the need for more effective implementation of the Public Services Guarantee Act to further improve the delivery of public services. He said government departments should ensure that citizens receive services within the stipulated time frame with greater accountability, transparency and efficiency. He added that strengthening the implementation mechanism would significantly enhance public confidence in governance.
Drawing the attention of the Chief Minister to the large number of vacant posts in various government departments, Sadhotra called for fast-track recruitment to ensure that essential public services do not suffer due to shortage of manpower. He said timely recruitment would not only improve administrative efficiency but also provide employment opportunities to educated youth, who are eagerly awaiting recruitment to various government services.
NC leader said close monitoring of Flood and Cloudburst situation in Rajouri and Poonch by the CM has activated the Administration and they are working on war footing.He further emphasized the urgent need to restore and strengthen flood protection works undertaken in vulnerable areas during the previous year. Referring to the recent incidents of heavy rainfall, flash floods and cloudbursts in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Sadhotra said preventive measures should be taken on priority to safeguard lives, agricultural land, public infrastructure and residential areas from future disasters. He called for close monitoring of all flood protection projects to ensure their timely completion before the next rainy season.
Sadhotra also sought constitution of Apex Committee for Retturn of Kashmiri Migrants with due representation of the stakeholders for their honourable and safe return, saying that National Conference believes that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits.
On the organisational front, Sadhotra stressed the need to revitalise and strengthen the various frontal units of the National Conference to deepen the party’s outreach among the people. He said the Youth National Conference, Women’s Wing, Students’ Wing, Labour Cell, SC Cell, OBC Cell, ST Cell, Minority Cell and other frontal organisations should be further energised to effectively highlight public issues and strengthen grassroots connect across Jammu and Kashmir and take the poor people friendly measures taken by the National Conference Govt. at every door step.
He said National Conference has always remained a people’s movement committed to safeguarding the interests of every section of society irrespective of caste, creed, religion or region. Strengthening the party organisation, he added, would further enable it to serve the people more effectively and reinforce its commitment to democratic values and inclusive development.
Sadhotra expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah, the government would continue to fulfil the aspirations of the people through responsive governance, transparent administration and sustained developmental initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
