Omar flags bureaucratic hurdles hampering public service delivery
Srinagar: Facing challenges posed by the Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference government has been rendered largely powerless. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged party leaders and legislators to remain patient amidst growing frustrations over bureaucratic non-cooperation, which has hampered governance and public service delivery.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing a meeting at the party headquarters in Srinagar, Omar acknowledged that the lack of collaboration from officials was undermining efforts to address public grievances and fulfill the government’s commitments.
During the meeting, NC legislators voiced concerns over officials’ resistance, which they said had left them unable to meet the expectations of the people who voted in large numbers. “People are angry because even minor issues remain unresolved due to the non-cooperation of government officials,” one MLA remarked.
The legislators highlighted that years of bureaucratic rule had distanced the administration from the people, creating a significant gap in trust and efficiency. “Even lower-level officials are testing our patience, and the disconnect is disheartening,” a legislator said.
In response, Omar acknowledged the challenges and reassured members that statehood restoration remained a priority. He urged the party not to escalate tensions with the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor.
Omar emphasized that preserving occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity and tackling development challenges were central to the government’s agenda.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi noted that an Assembly resolution advocating for the restoration of statehood and special status marked a significant step forward.
Omar urged patience, stating that the next few months would be crucial. “I have asked party leaders to wait until March, as I am hopeful that statehood will be restore3d by then,” he said.
