Jammu, Nov 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a cabinet meeting of his government here on Friday during which various issues including employment, reservation and recruitment process were discussed and directives issued.
The Cabinet, which discussed the growing demand for revising the extent of reservation in government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir, decided to constitute a sub-committee to engage with all stakeholders on the issue.
Deputy Chief Minister Surendra Kumar Chaudhary, other ministers and Chief Secretary Atul Dillo attended the meeting.
This was the second meeting of this government in more than a month.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Jal Shakti and Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said that important issues including employment, reservation, recruitment process and development were discussed.
“Today we held a cabinet meeting under the leadership of the Chief Minister. We discussed the address of the Honorable Lt. Governor in the Assembly and it was approved. Rest assured, all the decisions taken in the meeting will be shared with you in due course,” said Rana.
He said that during the assembly session, the speech of the lieutenant governor was fully discussed and approved.
Responding to a question about the Durbar Move demand, the minister said that “every important aspect mentioned in his address has been covered”.
Responding to another question on unemployment, which emerged as a major focus during the discussion, Rana said, “The Chief Minister has directed all the ministers to prioritize tackling unemployment in their respective portfolios. Let them start. As part of our 100-day agenda, we are committed to delivering concrete initiatives within the next two months.
He asserted that tackling unemployment was an important promise in the election manifesto and the government was determined to fulfill it.
On filling up of vacancies in various departments, Rana said “a consideration was given as to whether these posts should be referred to PSC (Public Service Commission) or SSRB”.
“We will ensure that the advertisements for these vacancies are issued within a stipulated time,” he added.
Rana further asserted that “our election manifesto is no longer just a promise – it is now an official document”.
“Whether it is supply of gas cylinders or other welfare measures, Hon’ble Chief Minister has directed the ministers to take immediate departmental actions to ensure its implementation,” he said.
Responding to a question about National Conference MLA Agha Syed Ruhollah’s threat to stage a dharna at the Chief Minister’s residence over the issue of rationalization of reservation, Rana said that Abdullah had spoken to all stakeholders. It has been decided to form a cabinet sub-committee for discussion.
A sub-committee of the cabinet will be constituted as per the instructions of the Chief Minister. The sub-committee will interact with all stakeholders. In any decision, public interest will be prioritized.
Rana emphasized that dialogue and consensus are very important in such matters.
There was an uproar among the unemployed youth after the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission recently advertised 575 vacancies for school lecturers, out of which only 238 were for open meritorious candidates, while 337 were for reserved categories. were
Reacting to the strike call by various youth organizations, NCMP Ruhollah wrote on X, “And I am with you all at the office or HCM (Honorable Chief Minister). Will sit outside the residence. I have neither forgotten nor backed down on the matter of reservation. I have been assured That the government will soon decide to rationalize the policy.
On the issue of age relaxation for job aspirants and daily wage earners, Rana acknowledged its urgency and said it was also discussed.
“The cabinet has directed the government to resolve the matter immediately,” he said.
On the issue of daily wages, Rana said, “The issue of daily wagers is huge. There is a large number of daily wage earners. Hon’ble Chief Minister has already issued instructions to the Ministers to take this direction at his end. Start the process.
Rana reiterated the government’s commitment to deliver on its promises, ensure transparency and address critical issues faced by the people of the region.