Associated News Bureau

Omar Abdullah Calls for Faster Developmental Works, Efficient Utilisation of Funds Across Departments , Directs Ministers to Review Departmental Performance, Budget Commitments and Progress on Government Projects

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired an introductory meeting with Ministers and senior officers of the Civil Administration at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, following the resumption of the traditional bi-annual Darbar Move, and called for expediting developmental activities, ensuring effective utilisation of allocated funds and strengthening administrative accountability. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Administrative Secretaries, heads of various departments and senior officers of the civil and police administration. Officers stationed outside Jammu attended the meeting through video conferencing. At the outset, Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar briefed the meeting on administrative arrangements and key issues concerning the functioning of various departments, including preparations for the Budget 2027-28. The Deputy Chief Minister and other Ministers also highlighted several issues of public importance and sought the administration's cooperation for their timely resolution. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister congratulated Ministers and officers on the commencement of the Darbar Move in Jammu and emphasised that administrative functioning must remain focused, efficient and free from external distractions. Underlining the importance of the next six months, Omar Abdullah said the period would be crucial for accelerating developmental activities and ensuring optimum utilisation of funds allocated to different departments. He urged all departments to enhance the pace of execution and ensure that developmental projects are completed within stipulated timelines. The Chief Minister directed newly inducted Ministers, as well as those assigned new portfolios, to undertake comprehensive reviews of their respective departments and assess the status of commitments made in the previous Budget. He asked them to identify projects that have been completed, works currently under execution and projects yet to be initiated, while examining the reasons behind delays and identifying measures required to expedite implementation. He also called for a comprehensive assessment of the Government's broader manifesto commitments to ascertain the progress achieved and determine the steps necessary for their timely fulfilment. Emphasising close monitoring of developmental projects, particularly those being implemented under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister asked Ministers to regularly review progress and ensure timely execution. With regard to the financial year 2027-28, he directed all departments to prepare project proposals and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) well in advance for projects proposed under SASCI. Departments were also instructed to keep DPRs and tender documents ready so that tendering and other preparatory formalities could be completed beforehand, enabling work to commence immediately upon receipt of allocations. He said the directions had already been communicated to the departments and stressed the need for their effective implementation. The Ministers were further asked to undertake early reviews of the districts assigned to them and maintain close oversight of developmental activities and public welfare initiatives. Reviewing winter preparedness, the Chief Minister stressed the need to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services through effective coordination among departments. Taking note of concerns regarding ration dumping in certain areas, he directed the concerned department to address the issue and ensure adequate availability of essential commodities. On Budget preparation, Omar Abdullah called for a proactive and coordinated approach, directing departments to initiate consultations with the Finance and Planning Departments well in advance. He observed that early identification of priorities and preparation of realistic proposals would provide sufficient time for proper examination and consideration, while preventing last-minute inclusion of commitments that could prove difficult to implement. The Chief Minister also emphasised the need to provide comfortable working and living arrangements for employees who have shifted to Jammu in connection with the Darbar Move. He directed the administration to address deficiencies relating to accommodation, office infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the Civil Secretariat. Calling for greater coordination between the political executive and the administrative machinery, Omar Abdullah urged Ministers and officers to maintain a focused approach towards fulfilling developmental commitments and implementing public welfare initiatives effectively. Later, the Chief Minister visited the chambers of newly inducted Ministers and inspected various rooms, sections and offices of the Civil Secretariat. He interacted with officials and staff members and reviewed the facilities and arrangements put in place following the reopening of the Secretariat in Jammu after the Darbar Move. The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and senior administrative officers. ANB