Let people relish peace dividends: Omar

RAFIABAD, BARAMULLA: Underlining peace pre-requisite for development, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the tranquil situation in the State especially in Valley during this year has had positive effect on economic welfare measures initiated by the Government.
“While we were able to hold successful Panchayat elections and subsequent transfer of powers to these democratic institutions to empower people and help holistic and area specific progress, the fruits of development programmes reached to the people across the State”, he said adding that restoration of peace with development is the top priority of his Government.
Addressing a large public gathering at Rafiabad in district Baramulla of North Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that his Government is determined to ensure that peace dividends reach to people in all fields of life and they are actively involved in the process of development and political stability.
“My Government has taken various measures on law and order front to inculcate sense of belonging in people and make them all-encompassing in the process of restoration of peace and development”, he said adding that his endeavours in this direction would continue.
“We have enhanced the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police in the maintenance of law and order”, he said adding that removal of bunkers and reduction in the security forces were other important steps taken by the Government during last three years.
Without naming PDP, Omar Abdullah said that during its tenure they only fed the people by the hollow slogan of ‘healing touch’ but did nothing on ground and even opposed the ‘Rehabilitation Resolution’ then brought by a Private Member in the Legislature.
“We have framed the Rehabilitation Policy for the return of youth from across LoC, implemented the same and provided opportunity to peace loving youth to be part of the civil society”, he said adding that his Government would continue to take every step aimed at permanent restoration of peace and stability in the State along with economic betterment.
“My Government aims at transforming the Jammu and Kashmir into a Model State in the Country where justice, equitable development, rule of law and peace with development will rule the roost”, he said asking the hand of people in his this stupendous mission.
On empowerment people, Omar Abdullah referred to the strengthening and implementing of Right to Information Act (RTI) giving right to the common people to ask questions about financial and physical status of schemes and functioning of the Government Departments. He said while this would bring transparency in financial transactions and other aspects of the government functioning, it will also help restrict malpractices to a greater extent.
Omar Abdullah said that the implementation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) was yet another initiative of his Government to curb corruption at lower levels and empowering public to have legal right to get specific public service in a specific timeline.
The Chief Minister said that these measures would also help make the government functionaries responsible, prompt, and cultivate a good work culture which is necessary ingredient in good-governance. He asked the people to take best advantages of these Acts.
Omar Abdullah said that some 16 public services in six departments of CAPD, PHE, Power, Transport, Housing and Revenue have been identified under the PGSA to be delivered by the concerning departments to the consumers within the specified time frame. “Any laxity or any failure in this regard would tantamount to dereliction of duty by the government official and he will be imposed fine for the same while the affected consumer gets compensation under the Act”, he said amid applause by the audience.
The public meeting was also addressed by Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar.
The Ministers in their speeches highlighted the achievements of the Omar-led Government adding that upgradation and improvement in the socio-economic conditions of the people of the State and equitable development of all regions is the priority concern of the Government.
They said that the keen interest of the Chief Minister in the holistic development of the State and restoration of permanent peace has resulted in the initiation of historic measures during the last three years in this direction. They said that the commitments made to people by the coalition government would be met fully.
On reaching Rafiabad, Omar Abdullah was received warmly by the people raising slogans in his favour and in favour of his Government.