Kashmir Impulse Desk
Jammu, Nov 02
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday asked ministers to accelerate development work, improve utilisation of allocated funds and ensure that government commitments are implemented within set timelines.
Chairing a meeting with ministers and senior civil administration officials at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, Omar said the next six months would be critical for completing ongoing projects and advancing development initiatives.
The meeting followed the reopening of the Civil Secretariat in Jammu under the traditional bi-annual Darbar Move.
Omar asked ministers, particularly those recently inducted into the Cabinet or assigned new portfolios, to assess the performance of their departments and review commitments made in the previous Budget.
He said the exercise should identify completed projects, works under implementation and initiatives yet to begin, along with reasons for delays and steps needed to address them.
The chief minister also called for a review of the government’s manifesto promises to determine the progress made and identify measures required to fulfil the remaining commitments.
He directed ministers to closely monitor development projects, particularly those being implemented under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
Departments were asked to prepare project proposals and Detailed Project Reports for the 2027-28 financial year in advance, keeping tender documents ready to allow work to begin once funds are allocated.
Omar also asked ministers to review the districts assigned to them and monitor development activities regularly.
Reviewing winter preparedness, he stressed the need for coordination among departments to maintain uninterrupted essential services. He also directed officials to address complaints about ration dumping and ensure adequate supplies of essential commodities.
On the next Budget, the chief minister asked departments to begin consultations with the Finance and Planning departments early, saying realistic proposals and clearly defined priorities would help avoid last-minute commitments that could prove difficult to implement.
He also directed officials to improve accommodation and office facilities for employees who had shifted to Jammu for the Darbar Move.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar and senior civil and police officials attended the meeting. Officers stationed outside Jammu participated through video conferencing.
Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar briefed the meeting on administrative arrangements and preparations for the 2027-28 Budget.
Later, Omar inspected the Civil Secretariat, visited the chambers of newly inducted ministers and reviewed facilities and arrangements for employees and officials.
