Srinagar, Dec 4 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed that the power to declare public holidays in Jammu & Kashmir currently lies with the Central Government, stressing that such limitations highlight the urgent need to restore full statehood to the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar as per news agency JKNS said the elected government in J&K does not have the authority to independently add or withdraw holidays.
“That prerogative rests with the Centre. This is exactly why we demand the return of statehood so decisions, big or small, can be taken by an elected government accountable to the people,” he said.
Omar added that the legacy of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was far beyond official notifications.
“Sher-e-Kashmir lives in people’s hearts. Even today, the sword awarded to the best cadet during the passing-out parade carries his name,” he remarked.
Turning to the Agniveer programme, the Chief Minister called it a significant shift in recruitment and expressed confidence in the newly inducted batch.
“These young Agniveers will carry forward the Army’s long tradition of discipline, unity and service. We expect them to further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and national integration,” he said.
Commenting on India-Russia ties amid President Vladimir Putin’s visit, Omar said Moscow has always stood by India on major strategic matters, including defence and the UN Security Council.
“Russia has supported us through difficult phases. We now hope it will choose a path of peace and bring an end to the Ukraine conflict,” he added.
On the renaming of government buildings, the Chief Minister cited Shakespeare’s famous lines: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
He said what truly matters to the public is effective governance, not nomenclature.
“Whether it is called Raj Bhawan or Lok Bhawan, the aim must be to deliver ease and better services to people,” he said.
Omar also reiterated the administration’s commitment to the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS), formerly SRO-43, which provides jobs to dependents of employees who die in service.
He said dozens of cases have recently been cleared, with around 60 appointment orders issued in Kashmir. Departments, he added, have been directed to set realistic timelines and strictly follow them. (JKNS)
