Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, April 6

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday called for reforms to accelerate appointments under a government relief program, as he distributed job letters to 124 beneficiaries in Jammu.

Speaking at an event at Convention Centre, CM Omar said the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme designed to provide compassionate appointments to families of deceased government employees required further refinement to address delays and administrative gaps.

“We are aware that the process has taken longer than it should have,” he said. “There is a need to make further changes so that appointments are completed swiftly and efficiently.”

The scheme was introduced to replace earlier provisions under SRO-43, with the aim of streamlining recruitment on compassionate grounds. 

The CM said that while the intent behind the revision had been to expedite appointments, shortcomings had emerged during implementation.

“It should not happen that appointments meant for earlier years are delivered much later,” he said, adding that the government would review the system to identify and correct deficiencies.

In an address marked by a sombre tone, CM Omar acknowledged the circumstances under which such appointments were granted, noting that they follow personal loss.

“For most people, securing a government job is a moment of happiness,” he said. “But in your case, it comes after losing a loved one. The hardship you have endured is profound.”

The CM said he chose to hand over the appointment letters in person to signal the government’s support for affected families. 

“We could have sent these orders to your homes,” he said, “but I wanted to assure you that the government stands with you.”

Encouraging the new appointees, CM Omar urged them to serve with integrity and remain responsive to public needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“You now have an opportunity to serve the people,” he said. “True satisfaction lies in addressing their difficulties with sincerity.”

An adviser to the chief minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, said the appointments were intended to provide immediate relief, even as he acknowledged that no measure could compensate for the loss of a family member.

Senior administrative officials, including those from the General Administration Department (GAD) and district authorities, attended the event along with the beneficiaries and their families.