SRINAGAR: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Tuesday welcomed the expansion of the Council of Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the move reflected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resolve to strengthen public outreach and make governance more responsive to people’s needs.
In a statement, Sadhotra said the expansion was another step towards fulfilling the commitments made by the National Conference to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said a larger Council of Ministers would facilitate greater interaction with people and help address issues confronting different sections of society more effectively and within defined timelines.
“This is yet another step forward towards fulfilling the commitments of inclusive growth, speedy implementation of welfare schemes and fast-tracking development,” he said, adding that the government’s focus remained on delivery, accountability and public service.
Sadhotra said people had voted for a government that promised to restore confidence in democratic institutions and give due attention to their everyday concerns. The expanded Council of Ministers, he said, would strengthen the government’s engagement with people across regions and communities.
Emphasising the importance of youth, the NC leader said the party had consistently accorded priority to their aspirations, describing them as the strength and future of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said creating opportunities in education, employment, entrepreneurship and skill development, along with enabling meaningful participation in the economy, would remain central to the party’s policies.
“The aspirations of our youth need opportunities, skills, a supportive environment and a government committed to creating a brighter future for them,” Sadhotra said, adding that the Chief Minister had been working towards these objectives.
He expressed confidence that the newly inducted ministers would discharge their responsibilities with commitment, humility and a strong sense of public service. Their experience and political connect, he said, would help take development and welfare initiatives closer to the people.
Sadhotra congratulated the new ministers on being entrusted with their responsibilities and wished them success in their assignments.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir expected the government to work with unity of purpose and translate its vision into tangible results.
“Every responsibility in public life is a responsibility towards the people,” he said, expressing hope that the new ministers would contribute to building a progressive, peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir in keeping with the National Conference’s political philosophy.
