Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President for Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir on Sunday described the Omar Abdullah-led government’s performance over the past two years as commendable, citing welfare measures, development initiatives and steps towards fulfilling electoral commitments despite the limitations of the Union Territory system.
Mir said the government had pursued several key commitments, including Assembly resolutions seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood, restoration of the Darbar Move and efforts to rationalise the reservation policy.
He said the government had introduced the resolution seeking restoration of special status during the first session of the Legislative Assembly, while a separate resolution seeking restoration of statehood was passed by an overwhelming majority.
Listing welfare measures, Mir said the government had increased marriage assistance for eligible poor families from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000, introduced free bus services for women, students and persons with disabilities, doubled free ration for eligible families and provided 200 units of free electricity and six free LPG cylinders to eligible Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households.
He also cited the restoration of the October-November academic calendar, the passage of the Private Universities Bill in the Assembly and the implementation of the Forest Rights Act as significant measures undertaken by the government.
Mir said employment generation, filling vacant posts, age relaxation for candidates appearing in competitive examinations and addressing the concerns of temporary employees remained among the government’s priorities. He also referred to the provision allowing eligible employees covered under the New Pension Scheme to opt for the Old Pension Scheme.
However, he called for timely decisions on recommendations concerning the reservation policy and urged the government to address delays in the submission of the committee report on temporary employees.
On infrastructure, Mir said work was underway to improve electricity supply, introduce smart bus services across districts and strengthen road connectivity, water supply, drainage and healthcare facilities.
He said restoring statehood was essential for strengthening democratic governance, ensuring administrative accountability and protecting the rights of people in Jammu and Kashmir.