Surinder Kumar Choudhary Dismisses Claims of Powerlessness in Omar Abdullah-Led Government

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary reaffirmed on Thursday that the Omar Abdullah-led administration is functioning with full authority, evidenced by its decision to suspend employees for failing to perform their duties.

Addressing the media in Jammu, Choudhary explained that while the government prefers not to take stern measures against employees, it expects them to uphold their responsibilities as diligently as the administration is fulfilling its own.

“The suspension of employees was not a rash decision,” he noted, “but a necessary step to uphold accountability within public administration.”

Choudhary dismissed accusations that the government lacks power, stating, “There is a clear framework of authority. Everything is well-structured. Who says the Omar Abdullah-led government is powerless? It’s this very authority that enabled employee suspensions to enforce discipline.”

He highlighted governance reforms as part of the administration’s strategy to rebuild public trust following years of political instability in Jammu and Kashmir.

Balancing accountability with fairness is a priority, he stressed. “We are not against employees. Voters and government workers are equally important to us. However, accountability is essential to ensure the public receives their rights.”

The government’s move aligns with ongoing efforts to improve bureaucratic efficiency and address longstanding issues in public service delivery.

However, the Abdullah-led government faces challenges in implementing major decisions. As Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha retains significant powers, including authority over top bureaucratic appointments.

While the elected administration seeks to fulfil popular election promises, such as providing 200 watts of free electricity, 12 cooking gas cylinders, and increased rations, decisions on these pledges remain pending six weeks into their tenure.

You Might Also Like:

Ganderbal Press Association Holds Elections, Sofi Ayaz Elected as President

Maqsood-ul-Zaman DIG North Kashmir Chairs Crime and Operational Review Meeting at DPO Handwara

Gurdaspur – Jammu Gas Pipeline Project, Work on 175-km Starts to Supply Domestic Gas by 2026

Police Conducts Searches at Residential Houses of Four OGWs in Mandir Area of Poonch Jammu