SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong concerns on Monday over the current “hybrid system of governance” in Jammu and Kashmir, cautioning officials against exploiting the transitional administrative model.
Abdullah emphasised that this system, brought about by Jammu and Kashmir’s current status as a Union Territory, has temporarily altered traditional governance structures, creating potential gaps in oversight.
“Ordinarily, I would tell you in no uncertain terms that there is zero tolerance for this,” Abdullah stated, referring to any attempts by officials to misuse their positions. “I have a feeling, and I’m going to say this regardless of the consequences, some may feel that they can exploit this system to their advantage, and they can find loopholes in this system that we have in JK at the moment.”
Chief Minister said this while presiding over the commencement of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 by leading the Integrity Pledge, reinforcing the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public service. The ceremony, held at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and attended by high-ranking officials across the Union Territory, was marked by Abdullah’s impassioned call for a corruption-free administration.
Abdullah’s speech reflects concerns over administrative accountability and potential misconduct during a period he described as a “temporary phase.” He noted the risk of certain officials manipulating the current governance framework to sidestep regulations and avoid responsibility. “Please rest assured, this is very much a temporary phase,” he assured, aiming to temper any speculation that the current model would persist indefinitely.
Highlighting his recent high-level meetings in New Delhi, Abdullah disclosed that he had received reassurances of forthcoming changes in the governance model. “I have just come back from very successful meetings in Delhi,” he said. “I have received assurances at the highest level that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly about our governance model, will change.”
Addressing those who might believe that Jammu and Kashmir’s Union Territory status could shield them from accountability, Abdullah issued a direct warning. “If there is anybody who believes that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences of practices that go against this pledge, please remember, the shield may last temporarily, but it is only temporary.”
“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. He urged officials to act responsibly, emphasising that, as he put it, “this is an annual thing,” signalling the return to routine governance expectations post-transition.
The Integrity Pledge ceremony, attended by Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, and departmental officers through video conferences from Jammu and district headquarters, reflects Abdullah’s drive to instil a “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity” across Jammu and Kashmir. He called on participants to make integrity central to their work and uphold transparency across all levels of governance.
