Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said a Cabinet sub-committee constituted to engage with all stakeholders on the issue of reservation in government jobs will take a holistic view so that justice is done with all and the rights of none are snatched.
Talking to reporters after a function here, Abdullah said the sub-committee will include three ministers and once it submits its report, a decision would be taken on the issue.
“A lot is being said about reservation. Our youth, especially those belonging to the open category, think they are not getting their rights, but there are also those who have been brought into the reservation ambit who do not want any reduction in their rights.
“So, the Cabinet has decided to form a sub-committee, which will include three ministers, and the Cabinet has asked them to take a holistic view of the issue,” he added.
On a question about the resolution on the special status passed by the J&K Assembly recently, the chief minister said the most important thing is that the resolution was not rejected anywhere.
“The resolution was passed and not rejected by anyone. It has opened a door. We will see what happens in the future,” he said.
On the remarks of Congress national president Malikarjun Kharge on the resolution, Abdullah said the Congress party is not part of the J&K government.
“Congress is supporting us from the outside, it has not joined our government. The government brought the resolution and except for the BJP, all the (assembly) members passed it that time which included the Congress as well.
“Now, it is obvious that the BJP targeted the Congress in the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections. This is first an answer to those who had said there was nothing in the resolution. If there was nothing in the resolution, then why have the PM and the HM raised the resolution regularly? It is obvious that there is something in it,” he said.
The chief minister said it is a compulsion for the Congress to try to dilute the resolution, “but nothing can be diluted because of what they say as the J&K assembly has passed it with an overwhelming majority”.
To a query about the release of prisoners as was promised in the ruling National Conference’s election manifesto, Abdullah said statehood is needed to release the prisoners “because as of now, the security, policing and law and order are under the central government and are looked after by the LG”.
However, the chief minister said whenever he has talked to the police administration, he has asked them to reconsider the issues of the prisoners, especially the issue of verification “for which people are harassed”.
“I have said in my assembly speech that the verification process has been weaponized. It has now been stopped to a large extent and there will be more flexibility in it in the future.
“But, as far as the release of the prisoners is concerned, we are working on the restoration of statehood right from the first day because we know there are some things on which the people want some progress, which cannot be done in a UT,” he said.
On the power curtailment in the Kashmir Valley, Abdullah said he met with the Union power minister in Delhi and an additional quota for J&K was sanctioned.
“But, we have to be ready for some curtailment in the winters. I have told the department to decrease the power cuts and shedding wherever there is less power theft and electricity charges are being paid. I hope there is improvement in the situation this winter,” he said.
Earlier, Abdullah laid the foundation stone of a hi-tech floral nursery expansion project and Bagh-e-Gule Dawood (a Chrysanthemum theme garden) here through the virtual mode.
These projects are being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.83 crore and Rs 1.869 crore, respectively, an official press release informed.
The upgraded nursery at Poloview facility aims to serve not only as a resource center for plants but also as an education hub. Workshops and training sessions will be conducted to empower growers and citizens with sustainable gardening practices.
The Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, to be spread over 100 kanals, is poised to become a major autumn attraction, the press release said.
It will showcase vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, red, pink, and purple, adding charm to Kashmir’s tourism landscape during the traditionally quieter autumn months.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the significance of gardens in Kashmir’s heritage and tourism.
“The Valley of Kashmir is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking beauty, and within that charm, our gardens hold a special place. From the time people began visiting Kashmir, they either established gardens or made it a point to visit them. The Mughals, for instance, created iconic gardens like Chasma Shahi, Nishat, Shalimar, and Harwan. Over time, visitors, even if they saw nothing else, ensured they visited these Mughal Gardens,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted how the introduction of the Tulip Garden transformed Kashmir’s tourist season, “Our tourism season was once limited to two periods: winter, when people came to witness snowfall, or May, when visitors explored gardens and other scenic spots. However, with the establishment of the Tulip Garden, this pattern transformed. It extended our tourist season into March and April. Today, Srinagarites know how bustling the area around the Tulip Garden becomes during this time. It’s a challenge even to navigate through the traffic near the garden.”
Addressing the need for a similar boost to autumn tourism, the Chief Minister commended the efforts of the Parks and Gardens Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-Kashmir.
He stated, “While the Tulip Garden has had a remarkable impact, a new challenge lies in utilizing the ‘off-season’ months of October and November, before snowfall draws tourists to destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. To address this, I commend the Parks and Gardens Department and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-Kashmir for their role in introducing Bagh-e-Gul-e-Dawood – the Chrysanthemum Garden.”
He explained the potential of the Chrysanthemum Garden. “The chrysanthemum, a flower that blooms in autumn, has the potential to do for October and November what the Tulip Garden does for March and April. Visitors to this garden will also explore other parts of Kashmir, benefiting the entire ecosystem of tourism—be it shikarawalas, taxi operators, houseboat owners, or others.”
On the sustainability of the initiative, the Chief Minister said, “Importantly, unlike tulips, which require costly bulb imports to maintain the garden, chrysanthemums can be grown locally without external dependence. Our efforts are already underway to develop tulip bulbs locally to reduce imports and even export them in the future. With chrysanthemums, however, we are self-reliant from the start. I hope this initiative will be fully developed and marketed by next year, providing Srinagar with a new tourist destination in the form of the Chrysanthemum Garden.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also spoke about the importance of promoting high-value, low-volume products like essential oils. “Lavender oil, mint oil, and similar products are already being exhibited, alongside cut flowers and contributions from progressive growers.”
He congratulated progressive farmers on their success and pledged government support, saying: “If you face any difficulties, do let us know so we can support you.”
The Chief Minister emphasized the need to bolster the private sector to tackle unemployment.
“It’s a reality that we cannot provide government jobs to everyone. Addressing unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir requires a shift beyond government employment. While we will create as many government jobs as possible, the solution lies in boosting the private sector. Unless we empower this sector, unemployment cannot be effectively tackled,” Abdullah said.
He added that expecting large-scale foreign investments here (Kashmir) is a challenge. Instead, we must focus on sectors with strong local foundations, such as agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, and floriculture, he said and added “to those already in these fields or those aspiring to enter them, I assure you that our government is committed to supporting you in every possible way. Together, we can strengthen floriculture and allied industries, paving the way for sustainable growth and opportunities.”
The event was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly Lal Chowk Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Director Floriculture Kashmir, progressive farmers and other concerned.
The Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, located within the Botanical Garden in Srinagar, is being developed at a cost of Rs. 1.869 crore. With its blooms expected to color late autumn, the garden is set to open to the public in Autumn 2025, marking a new chapter in Kashmir’s tourism story.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday inaugurated the CM’s Public Services and Outreach Office, marking a “significant step toward transparent, citizen-centric governance”, an official press release informed.
It said the office, designed as a single-window platform, aims to ensure efficient grievance redressal, informed decision-making through data-driven monitoring and strategic communication.
The grievance redressal system under the office, aptly named Raabta (meaning ‘connection’), serves as a bridge between citizens and the government, combining robust digital systems with on-ground engagement to ensure timely service delivery and responsive governance. During his maiden visit, the Chief Minister toured the facility, reviewed its operations, and interacted with officers.
Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of citizen engagement and directed officers to ensure timely grievance resolution and proactive communication with the public.
The Chief Minister was informed that the office will adopt a hybrid communication approach, including an online grievance portal, dedicated helpline, and periodic in-person interactive sessions to cater to all citizens effectively.
This innovative initiative underscores the government’s dedication to fostering public trust and ensuring a seamless interface between the administration and citizens.
