Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!đ Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today highlighted the importance of honesty, transparency and dedication in public service while addressing an event at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Jammu. The event was organized to distribute appointment orders to newly appointed Panchayat Secretaries in the Rural Development Department (RDD), J&K.
Congratulating the appointees, the Chief Minister reminded them of their crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and the people. âThe appointment process was transparent, though not without its challenges. Despite difficulties, we ensured the process was completed fairly,â he said. âToday, you receive your appointment orders not as a favor from anyone, but as a result of your hard work and merit.â
Recalling the historical evolution of the Panchayati Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the contributions of past governments, particularly former Chief Minister Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, in strengthening grassroots governance. âThe Panchayati Raj system was first introduced under the Jammu and Kashmir Village Panchayat Act. Over time, Panchayat system has evolved, with every government playing its part in strengthening it,â he noted.
Speaking about the significance of Panchayat elections, the Chief Minister pointed out the high level of public participation in local governance. âWe have observed that while voter turnout in parliamentary elections is relatively low, it increases in assembly elections. However, Panchayat elections see the highest level of engagement because these institutions are closest to the people,â he said.
Omar Abdullah urged the newly appointed Panchayat Secretaries to ensure that government funds allocated for rural development are utilized effectively and without corruption. âThe schemesâwhether centrally sponsored or J&K-sponsoredâmust be implemented with honesty, ensuring maximum public benefit,â he emphasized.
âYou will face pressures and attempts to influence decisions, but your duty is to uphold justice and serve the poor,â he said. He reminded them that while governments change, the responsibility of public servants remains constant. âDonât worry about political shifts; your focus should be on serving the people with dedication,â he added.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that he would continue to interact with the appointees in the years ahead, pledging his governmentâs support as they carry out their duties. âThis will not be our last meeting. Today, we are here, but tomorrow, we will meet in the field, working together to improve governance. I look forward to visiting your areas and seeing the impact of your work firsthand,â the CM said.
20 newly appointed panchayat secretariesâ10 each from Kashmir and Jammu divisionsâ received their appointment orders from the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Agricultural Production and RDD, Javed Ahmad Dar, congratulated the appointees and urged them to work with sincerity and dedication. He acknowledged the Chief Ministerâs commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent appointment process and reminded the recruits of their vital role in governance.
âYou are not just joining a departmentâyou are becoming the backbone of governance. Your role carries immense responsibility, impacting countless lives,â he said. He assured them of government support in overcoming challenges while urging them to serve with integrity. Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, SKUAST-Jammu Vice Chancellor BN Tripathi, Secretary RDD Aijaz Asad, Directors of RDD Kashmir and Jammu, newly appointed Panchayat Secretaries, their parents and other concerned were also present on the occasion.
