JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Information Department at the Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting assessed department’s performance and deliberated on matters requiring improvement to enhance efficiency and outreach of the Information department.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister inquired about the functioning of the single-window portal for granting film shooting permissions, an official spokesman said, adding, CM emphasized the need to streamline and expedite the process, ensuring that filmmakers receive approvals without unnecessary delays. A detailed discussion was held on the advertisement policy for newspapers and media houses.
The Chief Minister directed the department to ensure fairness and transparency in issuing advertisements based on circulation.
He urged the department to avoid any impression of bias and to study Bureau of Outreach, Government of India (DAVP) criteria of advertisement rates and assessing newspaper circulation to evolve a robust mechanism for the purpose.
Stressing the importance of social media, the Chief Minister called for enhanced visibility of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir on digital platforms through targeted advertisements and campaigns.
Reviewing the accreditation process for journalists, the Chief Minister directed the department to revisit rejected applications.
He instructed the concerned officials to communicate discrepancies to applicants, enabling them to rectify errors and secure accreditation.
Highlighting the pressing issue of staff shortages, the Chief Minister urged the department to expedite the recruitment process for vacant positions.
He stressed that adequate manpower is crucial for the department’s efficiency.
The Chief Minister impressed upon the need to procure latest equipment and gadgets to improve coverage of official functions and events.
The Chief Minister emphasized the department’s crucial role in shaping public perception and ensuring effective communication of government initiatives.
He urged the officials to address challenges with urgency and commitment.
Earlier, Secretary Information Rehana Batul gave a detailed presentation on the department’s overview and functioning.
The presentation covered aspects such as human resource management, roles and responsibilities of staff, advertisement expenditure, empanelled newspapers, and the accreditation process for journalists.
The meeting was informed about several initiatives undertaken by the department, including Beats of J&K, Inspire Gen-Z, Youth Conclave; Successful hosting of J&K Film Conclave-2024 and implementation of J&K Film Policy-2024 The department’s media campaign for coverage of the G-20 Summit in Kashmir was also highlighted.
Discussions were held on the department’s budget and expenditure under REVEX and CAPEX heads, along with the proposed CAPEX for the financial year 2024-25, the spokesman said.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Information Rehana Batul, Director Information Jatin Kishore, senior officers from the administrative department, all Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, and other concerned officials.
While reviewing functioning of Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Department…
CM highlights potential of J&K’s flowers in global markets with upcoming rail connectivity to Kashmir
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting of the Department of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens at the Civil Secretariat to review its functioning and discuss strategies to enhance the sector’s potential.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense opportunities in the floriculture sector, especially with Kashmir Valley soon to be connected with the rest of the country through railways.
He emphasized the need to leverage this connectivity to market Kashmir’s flowers across India and globally.
“We must engage progressive growers and other stakeholders to fully realize the sector’s potential,” the Chief Minister said.
He further directed the department to plant tulips along the Airport Road to enhance the aesthetic appeal and launch ad campaigns to attract more tourists to Srinagar’s iconic Tulip Garden.
Earlier, Commissioner Secretary Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad gave a detailed presentation on the department’s functioning, highlighting achievements and ongoing projects.
Key milestones and initiatives discussed included, Tulip Show 2024 in which a record 1.7 million tulips of 72 varieties were planted, attracting 4.46 lakh tourists in March 2024.
The meeting also discussed significant developments in the floriculture sector, including the establishment of ornamental cherry tree gardens (Sakura) and the creation of a Tulip Garden in Sanasar.
The establishment of peony and rose gardens at Pahalgam was also highlighted, alongside progress in the process of enlisting six historic Mughal Gardens as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discussions further focused on various ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at the modernization and enhancement of the region’s parks and gardens.
These included the upgradation of Bagh-e-Bahu Garden and the establishment of Bour Camp Garden in Jammu.
Other projects discussed were the development of chrysanthemum plantations at Udhampur, the upgradation of Badamwari, and the establishment of the Dara Shikoh Garden.
The creation of theme gardens at Gulmarg, the development of floriculture nurseries, and the establishment of a model flower center in Jammu were also deliberated.
Additionally, plans for an amphitheater and beautification projects at Bagh-e-Bahu were reviewed.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of modernizing and mechanizing garden maintenance to enhance efficiency while optimizing resources and generating revenue. He urged the department to prioritize initiatives that boost the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir while preserving the region’s rich natural heritage.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for modernization and mechanization of garden maintenance, resource optimization, and revenue generation.
He urged the department to focus on projects that enhance the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir while preserving its natural heritage.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, ACS to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Parks & Gardens, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Directors of Floriculture Kashmir/Jammu and other concerned.
