Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that Jammu and Kashmir received more than 2.35 crore tourists in 2024 as against 2.11 crore the previous year with the government prioritizing the promotion of religious and tourism places in Srinagar.
He emphasized that tourism is a key pillar of J&K’s economy, significantly generating employment and contributing to the gross state domestic product.
Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, was responding to a question from National Conference member Ali Mohammad Sagar during the budget session of the Assembly.
“The tourist arrivals in J&K have seen a significant increase in the last two years. In 2023, J&K recorded 2,11,80,011 tourist visits, and in 2024, the number increased to 2,35,90,081,” he informed the House.
In 2022, a total of 1,88,84,317 tourists had visited the Union Territory, according to official data.
Abdullah said that his government is focusing on promoting religious and tourism places in Srinagar to enhance tourism.
“Places like Dal Lake, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, shrines, temples, gurdwaras, and other landmarks define the uniqueness of Srinagar. We are committed to promoting these destinations,” the chief minister said.
Emphasizing that tourism is a key pillar of J&K’s economy, he said the sector provides direct and indirect livelihood opportunities, including for hotel staff, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir vendors, and local youth.
He further informed the House that efforts are underway to promote various forms of tourism, including adventure tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism, golf tourism, eco-tourism, pilgrimage tourism, and cultural and heritage tourism.
“This diversification aims to attract a wider range of visitors to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Abdullah highlighted that the government is actively promoting J&K’s top tourist destinations through advertising campaigns on national and international platforms.
The tourism department is focusing on developing off-beat destinations to expand tourism beyond traditional spots, he added.
“We are working on developing lesser-explored destinations like Gurez, Keran, Bungus, Tosamaidan, Aharbal, Doodhpathri, Machail, Bhaderwah, Sukrala Mata, and Pancheri to attract more tourists,” he said.
The chief minister also provided an update on infrastructure-related projects undertaken by the tourism department over the last three years.
In 2022-23, 984 projects were initiated and 549 completed; in 2023-24, 1,191 projects were undertaken and 516 completed; and in 2024-25 (till date), 1,914 projects have been started and 1,057 completed, he added.
“Our focus remains on strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring sustained growth in the sector,” Abdullah said.
Transfer of portion of debt and liabilities to Ladakh taken up with MHA: CM
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that a committee had been constituted to ensure the transparent distribution of assets, liabilities and budget between the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh following the reorganization.
Responding to a query from Member Qaysar Jamshaid Lone regarding the apportionment of assets, liabilities and loans, the Chief Minister stated that the process is being carried out in accordance with Notification SO-339 of GAD, dated October 30, 2020.
“The apportionment was to be conducted in a manner to ensure a fair transfer of assets, liabilities and budget between the two UTs. After completion of the process, an official gazette notification was issued on October 31, 2020,” he said.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Finance, further informed that most of the committee’s recommendations have already been implemented.
“Regarding the apportionment of public debt, financial liabilities amounting to ₹2,504.46 crore are to be transferred to the UT of Ladakh. The matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the administration of Ladakh,” he added.
Syllabus revision of departmental examination of JKAS in final stages; exams soon: CM Omar Abdullah
Asserting that the first syllabus revision is being undertaken in nearly 25 years, requiring significant changes, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said finalisation of the syllabus of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) is in its final stages, and the examinations will be held soon.
Responding to a question from MLA Aijaz Ahmad Jan during the Question Hour in the Assembly, the chief minister acknowledged delays in finalisation of the syllabus for 2018-24 batches of administrative services but assured that the process is “nearing completion”.
“The government has worked to streamline the process, though the complexity of the revision caused some unavoidable delays. This is the first syllabus revision in nearly 25 years, requiring significant changes,” Abdullah said.
He explained that the administration compared J&K’s syllabus with those of other states and Union Territories to align it with national standards.
“Relevant departments, including revenue, law, and information technology, contributed to the process. Senior IAS officers were also consulted in drafting the final syllabus,” he said.
“The final draft is ready, and we will complete the process within a month,” he said.
Addressing concerns about 2018 and 2019 batches of Junior JKAS officers, Abdullah clarified that current rules do not allow their automatic confirmation. Their probation is subject to passing the departmental examination, he said.
According to rule 16, probationers must pass the exam within two years to be confirmed in service.
“However, due to major administrative changes under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the exam could not be conducted. The reorganisation required a revision of laws and regulations, including those governing the departmental examination, he said.
“A comprehensive syllabus revision was necessary to align with the new administrative structure and updated legal provisions,” Abdullah said.
A committee was formed to finalise the syllabus.
“We are expediting the finalisation process. Once the syllabus is approved, the examination will be conducted without delay, ensuring probationers can be confirmed as per the rules,” the chief minister said.
