Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Dec 4 :
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the authority to notify public holidays in Jammu & Kashmir rests with the Centre, not the elected government, adding that this is precisely why the Union Territory must regain its full statehood.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC said that under the present distribution of powers, the elected dispensation in J&K cannot add or remove holidays on its own.
“This power lies with the central government. That is why we say statehood should be restored, so we can take both major and minor decisions ourselves,” he said.
He added that Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy does not depend on government orders.
“Whether or not a holiday is declared, Sher-e-Kashmir lives in the hearts of people. Even today, the sword awarded to the best cadet in the passing-out parade is named after him,” he said.
Turning to the Agniveer scheme, the Chief Minister described it as a new model of recruitment and expressed confidence that the fresh batch would uphold the army’s history of unity, discipline and service.
“We expect the new recruits to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and national integration, just as those before them did,” he remarked.
On India-Russia relations in the backdrop of President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Omar said Russia has consistently supported India on critical issues, including defence and the UN Security Council.
“Russia has helped us in difficult times. We only hope that Moscow now chooses peace and ends the conflict in Ukraine,” he said.
Responding to a query on the renaming of government institutions, Omar quoted Shakespeare:
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
He said that people care more about governance and timely services than labels or titles.
“Whether it is called Raj Bhawan or Lok Bhawan, the purpose must be to provide ease and comfort to the public,” he added.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) earlier known as SRO-43 which provides employment to a family member of a government employee who dies in service.
He said the government has processed a large number of cases and recently issued around 60 appointment orders in Kashmir. Departments have been instructed to set realistic deadlines and strictly adhere to them, he added. (KNC)