Srinagar, June 3: Concerns over the functioning of several government departments, including the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, figured prominently during a meeting of National Conference legislators and independent MLAs supporting the government, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam on Wednesday, sources said.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, was largely focused on governance and development-related issues, with legislators highlighting concerns from their respective constituencies.
According to sources, a number of MLAs raised questions over the distribution of development funds and execution of projects by the R&B Department headed by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
Legislators from both Jammu and Kashmir reportedly sought a more balanced allocation of resources and pointed to what they described as disparities in the sanctioning of projects under various development schemes.
The issue generated extensive discussion, with several legislators voicing concerns over the functioning of the department, sources said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured participants that the issues raised during the meeting would be examined and addressed, they added.
Sources said some MLAs also flagged concerns regarding the functioning of other departments and called for faster implementation of developmental works.
The proposal seeking a ban on the sale and consumption of liquor in Jammu and Kashmir also came up for discussion. Sources said it was decided that a committee would be constituted to examine the issue and submit recommendations.
The demand for restoration of statehood was also discussed, with legislators reiterating the need to continue pursuing the issue with the Centre.
Speaking to KNS after the meeting, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment Javed Rana said the party would intensify its campaign for restoration of statehood.
Referring to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks about a “political cloudburst”, Rana said the National Conference would launch a protest programme demanding restoration of statehood from the opening day of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
Asked about criticism of ministers during the meeting, Rana described it as part of a normal governance review process.
“Yes, ministers were questioned during the meeting, but that is a routine exercise in governance. The concerns raised will be addressed,” he said.
“There can be gaps in governance, but our effort is to bridge those gaps and fulfil the expectations of the people,” Rana added.
On the possibility of a cabinet expansion, the minister said the matter rested with the party leadership.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah is the president of the party and he will take a call on it,” Rana said.(KNS).
