GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

Day: April 15, 2025

  • Downgrading J&K to Union Territory has hit administrative accountability, efficiency: CM Omar

    Downgrading J&K to Union Territory has hit administrative accountability, efficiency: CM Omar

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    ‘In my earlier tenure as CM, an official used to come up with 10 different ways to execute a task, now he finds ten different excuses to avoid it’; ‘Statehood not our goal, but a big way to achieve it’

    SRINAGAR APRIL 15 (KNO):-Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that downgrading Jammu and Kashmir from a State to a Union Territory has significantly hit the administrative accountability and efficiency.

    Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a bridge damaged in 2014 floods at Rohmoo, here in South Kashmir, the Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)”said that dedicating this bridge to the people 11 years after getting damaged in floods was just a beginning and many more works are to be done in the five years.

    He highlighted the stark contrast between functioning as a Chief Minister of a State and that of a Union Territory.

    Reflecting on his tenure as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir when it was a state, he said, “Back then, if I directed officials to execute a task, they would come up with ten different ways to get it done. But now, under the Union Territory setup, the same officials find ten different excuses to avoid doing that very task.”

    He said in the first instance, the government brought a resolution to reject the August 5, 2019 decision and also demanded its restoration in the first Assembly Session, adding that in the first cabinet meeting; a resolution was passed and handed over to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi by him personally.

    However, he said that some people are unhappy with it by saying that statehood is not our goal. “When have we claimed that statehood is our goal? It is just a way to achieve our goal. We will have to reach our goal by following steps and thus statehood restoration is a big way for it,” he added.

    The Chief Minister said that they are of the belief that the apt time has come for its restoration as six months have already elapsed since the elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir. “During the recent visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Jammu and Kashmir, I had a detailed discussion with him. I am hopeful that the statehood would be restored soon,” he said.

    Assuring people of his commitment to local rights, Omar promised that his party would introduce legislation ensuring that jobs are reserved exclusively for the local youth.

    The Chief Minister referred to Himachal Pradesh, where a law mandates that 70% of jobs in private industries be reserved for local residents.

    He questioned why a similar provision cannot be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. “If our neighboring state can safeguard employment opportunities for its people, why should Jammu and Kashmir be any different?” he asked.

    He also asserted that only the people of Jammu and Kashmir should have ownership and control over their natural resources, including minerals.

    Speaking about the promises made during the election campaign, Omar claimed that several of them have already been fulfilled. These include the provision of free electricity and ration for the economically weaker sections and the introduction of free bus travel for women. “People will not have to wait for five years to see our promises materialize. We are determined to fulfill each one of them in a short span,” he assured—(KNO)

  • MLA  Lays Foundation Stone of Panchayat Ghar at Sawani; Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development

    MLA  Lays Foundation Stone of Panchayat Ghar at Sawani; Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    RAJOURI APRIL 15:-In a significant stride towards strengthening rural governance and infrastructure, Hon’ble MLA Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed, laid the foundation stone for a Panchayat Ghar at Panchayat Sawani today. The ceremony was marked by enthusiastic participation from local residents, community leaders, and party workers, who welcomed the initiative and extended their heartfelt appreciation to the MLA.

    The event was attended by Block Development Officer (BDO) Rajouri, senior leaders of the Indian National Congress, elected panchayat representatives, and a large number of citizens and grassroots workers. The gathering reflected the community’s collective hope for a more accessible and efficient local governance system.

    In his address, Iftkhar highlighted the importance of decentralized governance and reiterated his vision of empowering panchayats through proper infrastructure and administrative support.

    “This Panchayat Ghar will serve as a vital hub for public services, grievance redressal, and community engagement. My mission is to bring governance to the doorstep of every citizen and ensure that development reaches even the remotest corners of our constituency,” he stated.

    The MLA assured the public that all ongoing and proposed developmental works in Panchayat Sawani will be accelerated, with particular focus on road connectivity, drinking water, healthcare, education, and employment generation. He also emphasized the need for active public participation in shaping the development agenda of the area.

    Throughout the visit, MLA Rajouri interacted with several delegations and individuals who shared their concerns and suggestions. He gave a patient hearing and directed officials to take swift action on the issues raised, reaffirming his commitment to responsive and accountable leadership.

    Local leaders and residents lauded the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited step towards better governance and stronger civic infrastructure. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the panchayat members, who praised Shri Iftkhar Ahmed’s continuous efforts in addressing the developmental needs of the region.

    This foundation stone laying marks a new chapter in the development journey of Panchayat Sawani and stands as a testament to the MLA’s proactive and people-centric approach to governance

  • Waqf Amendment Act: Govt singling out Muslims, says NC’s Tanvir Sadiq

    Waqf Amendment Act: Govt singling out Muslims, says NC’s Tanvir Sadiq

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    ‘Act part of larger plan started under Mufti Sayeed’s tenure; BJP-PDP equally responsible for J&K crisis since 2014’

    SAJID RAINA 

    SRINAGAR APRIL15(KNO):– National Conference (NC) Chief Spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Monday said the ongoing reforms in Waqf properties are aimed at targeting Muslims and questioned why similar measures are not applied to other communities.

    Speaking to the media, Sadiq, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the reforms were part of a larger plan that began under the late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s government and have since been used to bring Waqf properties under government control.

    Sadiq alleged that the transformation of the Waqf Board into a government-controlled body began in 2003 during Mufti Sayeed’s tenure, which he said, marked the beginning of systematic interference in the religious institutions.

    He said that traditionally, local people managed Waqf affairs, but now the government officials can decide ownership of shrines, mosques and graveyards due to lack of documentation.

    He said Waqf is a matter of community trust, created through voluntary contributions, and should be safeguarded from state interference. “Only Muslims can manage it. No government has the right to take away what was given for the welfare of the community,” he said.

    Sadiq said that his party has taken the matter to the Supreme Court and expects a fair verdict. He also questioned why reforms are not introduced for Hindu temple properties, claiming that over 8 lakh acres of temple land remain untouched. “In a secular country, reforms should apply equally to all religions,” he said.

    Responding to BJP leader Sunil Sharma’s remarks about the NC, Sadiq dismissed as ‘ineffective’. He accused the BJP of failing both in government and opposition, citing their inconsistent stance on the Jal Shakti scam during assembly sessions.

    He said BJP’s decade-long governance in Jammu and Kashmir had led to destruction, and this continued after the party aligned with the PDP. “The real damage was done in 2003 and again in 2014 when Mufti Muhammad Sayeed forged an alliance with BJP,” he said.

    Sadiq also referred to the recent disruption in the assembly, where the NC opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill.

    He said the Bill was discriminatory and the party’s stance is now part of the assembly’s official record.

    He said that the party had warned about these developments earlier, adding that the closure of Jamia Masjid for key religious occasions contradicts the administration’s claim of “organic normalcy” in Kashmir. “If things are normal, why are Friday and Eid prayers not allowed?” he asked.

    “We went to the Supreme Court for this very reason to prevent attempts to take over Muslim properties under flimsy pretexts,” he said—(KNO)

  • No action as Govt still examining report of fact finding committee framed in 2018 ; Probe into Mughal Road scam of 2012 yet to be concluded

    No action as Govt still examining report of fact finding committee framed in 2018 ; Probe into Mughal Road scam of 2012 yet to be concluded

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    Diversion of funds, mismanagement, irregularities in JKPCC

    JAMMU, APRIL15:- Shocking it may sound but it is a fact that Government is still examining the report of a fact finding committee, which was constituted way back in the year 2018 to look into diversion of funds, mismanagement and irregularities in Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC).

    Moreover, probe into the much-highlighted Mughal Road project scam is yet to be concluded although the then Chief Engineer has already retired from the Government service.

    Vide Order No.1690-GAD dated November 28, 2018 the Government constituted a fact finding committee to look into the affairs of J&K Projects Construction Corporation Limited. The committee headed by Principal Secretary to the Government, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department and comprising of Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Commissioner/ Secretary Revenue Department and MD JKPCC was asked to look into the manner of awarding contacts to contractors often on a nomination basis, without following transparent tendering procedures.

    Further, the mandate of the committee was to look into diversion of funds from one project to another leading to a large number of incomplete projects whose funds have been received but diverted elsewhere; irregularities in appointments at various levels, including that of the Managing Director; inefficiency in functioning and huge time and cost overruns in project implementation and reasons of estimates for construction being much higher than those of PWD.

    The committee was asked to submit its report/recommendations to the Government by December 26, 2018.

    Now, when status of the implementation of the report/recommendations of the fact finding committee was sought, the Government said, “the committee has submitted its report, which is under examination”. What purpose the findings of the committee will serve now after more than six years remains a million dollar question.

    “Further, the examination of report after such a prolonged delay is a futile exercise especially in the light of the fact that Government has already initiated the exercise to wind up J&K Projects Construction Corporation Limited”, official sources told EXCELSIOR, adding “the committee, in its report, had pointed out large-scale irregularities in the operation of the Corporation and mentioned that operations were riddled with ad hoc functioning and there was absence of rules and systematic procedures”.

    They further said, “due to delay in action on the report of the fact finding committee all those officers, who left no chance to loot the resources of Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation Limited, have remained unpunished”, adding “because of reasons best known to those who were supposed to act immediately on the report of the committee the objective behind ascertaining facts vis-à-vis functioning of JKPCC stands defeated”.

    Meanwhile, probe into Mughal Road project scam has yet not reached logical conclusion although the then Chief Engineer has already superannuated from the service on April 30, 2022. The scam took place in the year 2012 when the then Chief Engineer Mughal Road Project by abuse of his official position and in lieu of criminal conspiracy with the beneficiary company exceeded his powers/competence and accepted the terms and conditions of contractor which formed the basis of the award by Arbitration Tribunal dated 28.03.2019.

    “The undue benefit was given to the company with the extension of time for which no prior order/communication stands issued, besides prevented imposition of liquidation of damages to the tune of crores of rupees on the company for its inability to complete the project in the stipulated time etc”, sources said.

    “So far as initiation of departmental action is concerned, the then Chief Engineer against whom FIR has been registered superannuated from service on April 30, 2022 and investigation by the agency concerned is still underway”, the Government has mentioned in the latest official document.