Srinagar: On the first day of the reopening of the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar after Darbar Move, marking the first full return to the summer capital in several years, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to outline the governance roadmap for the next six months.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries of key departments including Jal Shakti, PWD, Finance, Tourism and Mining, along with all Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police Kashmir and senior officers.
Addressing the meeting, Omar Abdullah described the occasion as a “significant milestone”, noting that this was the first full-fledged Darbar Move to Srinagar after a prolonged gap.
He acknowledged the logistical challenges involved but commended departments for successfully managing the transition, an official press release informed.
“This is the first full Darbar Move in Srinagar after a number of years. The departments navigated the transition in Jammu effectively. This time, we were better prepared, having anticipated the move six months in advance,” the chief minister said.
He emphasized that the coming six months represent the most productive period of the year, with favorable weather conditions enabling maximum execution of development works. He lauded the Finance department for ensuring timely completion of procedural formalities, including release of funds and approvals ahead of the working season.
“Now it is our responsibility to execute. Whether departments are under my charge or that of my colleagues, delivery will only happen if we work together. We all sit here with a shared mandate to meet the expectations of the people,” he asserted.
Calling for synergy between elected representatives and the administrative machinery, the chief minister urged officers to prioritize coordination.
“Within our resource constraints, we also have new avenues of funding, and support from the Government of India has enabled us to expand our delivery potential. The key takeaway from this meeting should be to find common ground and work collectively towards our goals,” he said.
Highlighting key priorities for the upcoming months, the chief minister said that the Darbar period in Srinagar coincides with critical events, including the annual Amarnath Yatra and the peak tourism season. He stressed that both require coordinated efforts beyond security arrangements, involving robust civil administration support.
“This is not just a working season; it is also a period that defines our governance outcomes. From tourism to pilgrimage management, we must put our best foot forward,” he said.
Referring to the recently concluded Budget session, the chief minister said the government now has a clear roadmap of commitments to fulfill. He called for efficient utilization of resources, timely execution of projects, and minimizing lapses in funds utilization.
“If we work with focus and coordination, we can end these six months with far greater optimism and satisfaction than we began with,” he added, extending his best wishes to officers for the months ahead.
During the meeting, the deputy chief minister, ministers and advisor also shared inputs, feedback and flagged key issues requiring attention particularly in respect of issuing new Industrial Policy and Mining Policy for J&K.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo welcomed the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and senior officers back to Srinagar and briefed the meeting on administrative preparedness.
He informed that most officers would remain stationed in Srinagar, while a roster system would ensure availability in Jammu as required. He stressed the need for proper arrangements for accommodation of Move employees, food supplies and essential services for people.
The chief secretary also highlighted preparedness for flood management, particularly in view of the approaching monsoon season, urging district administrations and the Irrigation & Flood Control Department to remain on high alert. He called for focused disaster mitigation efforts, especially in landslide-prone areas.
On infrastructure and services, he said that restoration works be expedited and that electricity and water supply be ensured across both Kashmir and Jammu regions. He further emphasized the need for speedy implementation of decisions taken by the Council of Ministers over the past one and a half years.
He also urged departments to strictly implement Budget announcements and proactively flag any requirements. Highlighting upcoming administrative priorities, he informed that the Census process will commence with self-enumeration from May 17 to May 30, followed by subsequent phases, and called upon Deputy Commissioners and the Planning department to play a pivotal role.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of digitization of land records as a key governance reform measure and for implementation of agristatproject.
The chief secretary concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, to efficient governance, seamless coordination and effective delivery during the crucial six-month Darbar period in Srinagar.
