Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted a weekly Public Outreach Programme at his Raabita Office at Gupkar in Srinagar, engaging directly with the public to address their issues and concerns, an official press release informed.
It said former minister Mohammad Ashraf Mir brought to the Chief Minister’s attention various developmental challenges in Athwajan, Pantha Chowk and surrounding areas.
Students from the SPS Library, MA Road Lal Chowk, requested the extension of library hours and resolution of internet connectivity and other student-related issues.
“Libraries are vital to a learning society—we are committed to making them more modern and student-friendly. All genuine concerns will be looked into,” CM assured the students delegation.
A delegation led by Peerzada Masood Hamdani from Khankah-e-Moula raised concerns related to the upkeep and development of the Khankah Shrine, along with other local matters.
Retired veterinary employees presented issues related to pay anomalies and pension disbursements. Similarly, employees of the J&K Sports Council sought the Chief Minister’s intervention regarding the grant of pensionary benefits to Council staff.
Social workers associated with Special Cells advocated for the continuation and strengthening of Special Cells for Women in Jammu and Kashmir.
Employees of the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) also met with the Chief Minister to discuss matters concerning their career progression and other employment-related concerns.
A delegation of visually impaired and physically challenged individuals, led by Showkat Ahmad Lone, highlighted several key issues, including free public transport, accessibility in educational institutions and government offices, skill development programs, and an establishment of a single-window system for grievance redressal.
In addition, a delegation led by hotelier Mushtaq Burza appealed for government support in the revival of tourism and raised key concerns relating to the industry, trade and hospitality sectors.
Representatives from Kishtwar voiced their concerns related to Waqf properties and other local developmental issues.
Several other delegations comprising sitting and former MLAs, public representatives, and concerned citizens also met with the Chief Minister to raise issues such as old-age pensions, access to potable drinking water, and infrastructure development in their respective constituencies.
The Chief Minister patiently listened to all delegations and assured prompt and priority-based redressal of their genuine concerns, the press release said.
It said on-the-spot instructions were issued by the Chief Minister in several cases to ensure swift resolution of grievances.
“We remain committed to listening, resolving issues, and building a responsive and people-centric Government,” he added.
Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani and other senior officers were present during the public hearing.
Govt to take up relief for Pak shelling victims with Centre: CM
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the assessment of damages caused by cross-border shelling by Pakistan is almost complete and his government will take up the issue with the Centre for providing relief to the victims.
“The assessment is almost complete. Reports from two districts are awaited. Once we get them, we will take up the matter with the Government of India and try to prepare a (relief) package,” Abdullah told reporters here.
The chief minister also expressed gratitude for the visits by opposition leaders, including a Trinamool Congress delegation, to the areas affected by Pakistani shelling in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had cross-border links.
“Rahul Gandhi is visiting Poonch (on Saturday), where he will interact with the victims. I am especially thankful to the Trinamool leaders, who were the first to come. They first went to Poonch and are in Rajouri now. These visits make us feel that there are people standing with us in these difficult times,” Abdullah said.
Brushing aside a question on the BJP claiming that the resolutions passed recently by the National Conference working committee came at the behest of Pakistani spy agency ISI, Abdullah said, “It is okay. Let them say.”
The chief minister refused to comment on a chargesheet filed by the CBI against former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik.
The central agency said on Thursday that it has filed a chargesheet against Malik and seven others in connection with alleged corruption in the award of Rs 2,200-crore worth civil works for the Kiru hydropower project in J-K’s Kishtwar district.
