Says got assurance from New Delhi on change in governance model
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Oct 28: Warning against potential exploitation of the current model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that any perceived undue advantage from the Union Territory status of J&K would not last long.
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“Some may feel that they can exploit the present system to their advantage, that they can find loopholes in this system that we have in J&K at the moment, but please rest assured, this is very much a temporary phase,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Cabinet colleagues and Administrative Secretaries at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar today.
Sharing insights from his recent meetings in New Delhi and terming the same very successful, the Chief Minister said that he got assurance from the highest level on the change in the governance model of J&K.
Pertinent to mention that Omar Abdullah was in New Delhi last week where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and others and presented the copies of resolution seeking restoration of full Statehood to J&K, passed in the first Cabinet meeting in Srinagar.
Reiterating his commitment for zero tolerance against corruption, the Chief Minister said that the temporary Union Territory status of J&K and its current model of governance can’t shield those indulging in corrupt practices.
“Once full Statehood is restored, there will be no loopholes to exploit,” he said and added that those considering to take undue advantage of the present system should be aware of the future consequences.
“Please rest assured, this is very much a temporary phase. I have just come back from very successful meetings in Delhi. I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly with regard to our governance model, will change. Therefore, if there is anybody who believes that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences or practices that go against this pledge, please remember, the shield may last temporarily, and that once full Statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir there will be no loopholes to exploit or any advantages to be taken by playing one against the other,” he said.
After taking the pledge for corruption free J&K, the Chief Minister urged his Cabinet colleagues and officers to lead by example. Our pledge must count for something. The citizens of J&K will see us taking this pledge, which should count,” he added.
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