Omar Abdullah - News Of Kashmir

Khidmat Centre Operators Protest in Jammu; President Tanveer Haji Demands Monthly Support and Permanent Settlement Policy

November 6, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Jammu and Kashmir Khidmat Centre Association has launched a protest demanding the immediate implementation of the long-promised Permanent Settlement Policy, citing a total collapse of their livelihoods after 16 years of dedicated public service.

For more than a decade, Khidmat Centres have played a vital role in delivering essential government and banking services, particularly in some of the most remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The operators have served as frontline workers during major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that citizens continued to receive vital services when most institutions were shut down.

However, with the cessation of banking services, the operators now face an unsustainable future. Their operations have been crippled, and the association asserts that J&K Bank, the designated Service Centre Agency, has failed to secure the future of these vital centres.

Despite several high-level assurances from government officials over the years — including from Dr. Jitendra Singh (MP) — no concrete steps have been taken to formalize the employment status of the operators. This prolonged inaction has left 1,109 highly skilled professionals in a state of deep financial and professional uncertainty.

The association strongly argues that a permanent settlement is not only their rightful demand but also an obligation for all stakeholders who initially established and benefited from these centres.

Speaking on behalf of the association, President Tanveer Haji stated:

“Our demand is clear and just — implement the promised Permanent Settlement Policy. Until this is achieved, the Government must announce Gap Support of ₹50,000 per centre, per month without any further delay.”

The association has now made a direct appeal to the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for their personal intervention to resolve this critical issue.

Furthermore, the Khidmat Centre Association has warned that if a policy decision is not made soon, they will be forced to intensify their agitation until their legitimate demands for stability, security, and dignity are met.

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Kashmir Agriculture

CM Omar Abdullah Calls For Focus on Agriculture Varsities to Tackle Climate Change

November 20, 2024 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the critical role of agriculture in addressing climate change and improving the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.He was speaking at the inauguration of the four-day National Agriculture Summit & Farmers’ Fair-2024 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.
Highlighting the exigency of climate change, the Chief Minister said, “Climate change is a huge challenge, and the responsibility lies on SKUAST (Kashmir and Jammu) to address it and assist our farmers. We can no longer depend solely on rain and snowfall, as climate patterns have drastically shifted. For instance, in our childhood, snowfall would arrive in December; now, it comes in February. Our average temperatures are also rising. To adapt, we need to promote modern agricultural practices, introduce new techniques and technologies, and raise awareness among farmers.”
He lauded the progress made by SKUAST-Jammu in recent years, saying, “I felt elated on visiting SKUAST-Jammu. Since my last visit, the university has made remarkable progress, for which I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor and his entire team.”
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the neglect of agriculture in discussions about J&K’s development.“In Jammu and Kashmir, we find farmers in every corner, yet when we discuss progress, we focus on factories, tourism, and facilities for pilgrims at religious places. Sadly, the contribution of farmers and the agriculture and allied sectors often goes unnoticed,” he said.

He stressed the economic potential of agriculture and allied sectors, stating, “I firmly believe that focusing on these sectors can significantly transform J&K’s economy. We rely heavily on imports for many necessities, such as dairy products, meat, and oilseeds. Our efforts should aim to produce these locally through import substitution. If we achieve surplus production, we can sell it outside, leading to a positive shift in J&K’s economy.”

Omar Abdullah called for efforts to restore farming as a viable and respected livelihood for future generations.

“Our farmers must feel confident that their hard work on the land will generate income. However, it is disheartening that the younger generation is distancing itself from agriculture. Productive agricultural land is increasingly being used for non-agricultural purposes because our children hesitate to connect with agriculture and allied sectors. This mindset needs to change,” he lamented.

Speaking about Jammu’s agricultural potential, he said, “Multiple-farming, cultivating staple crops, and utilizing land for high-value products hold immense potential.Jammu is already renowned for its RS Pura Basmati, Rajma and Gucchi mushrooms from Kishtwar. Products like olives and exotic fruits, which were unheard of just a few years ago, are now becoming common in our homes. There is no scarcity of potential here.”
He further emphasized the importance of undertaking research and ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of J&K.

“The practical implementation of research is crucial, and the responsibility lies in ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of Jammu and Kashmir. Farmers must be informed about the advantages of these practices so that agriculture becomes productive and attractive, even for the younger generation.”

The Chief Minister also pledged his government’s unwavering support to SKUAST, saying, “This four-day program is an excellent initiative for farmers and visitors to learn and benefit from. My government will fully support and assist the university in its endeavors. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and you will always find our doors open to help this institution thrive.”
During the event, Omar Abdullah released several books on agriculture and research authored by various experts.He also felicitated progressive farmers from Jammu division for their contributions to the sector.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the National Agriculture Summit & Farmers’ Fair-2024 in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu BN Tripathi, MLA RS Pura-Jammu South Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, and other dignitaries.

On the occasion, Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development at the main campus of SKUAST-Jammu and planted saplings of various fruit plants alongside the Deputy CM, Agriculture Minister, MLA, and VC SKUAST-Jammu.

The Chief Minister also inspected stalls set up by agriculture and allied departments, interacting with staff and farmers.He inaugurated the Krishi Mela Rural Sports by blowing a whistle and witnessed a tug-of-war competition among boys and girls of different categories.

The event witnessed the participation of scholars, researchers, scientists, students, and progressive farmers, making it a significant platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building in agriculture.(KNS)

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Politics

Omar Abdullah Ready to Reclaim Cheif Minister chair

October 21, 2024October 11, 2024 by NOK Desk

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah was unanimously elected as the leader of the NC legislature party during a meeting held at the party’s Nawa-e-Subah headquarters here Thursday.

The development positions Omar as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir after his party emerged as the single-largest in the recently concluded assembly polls.Omar is now poised to return as the CM, a role he held from 2009 to 2014.

“A meeting of the legislature party was held where everyone unanimously chose Omar Abdullah as its leader,” NC President Farooq Abdullah told reporters after the NC legislature party meeting here. “The discussions with the pre-poll alliance partners – Congress and CPI (M) – will be held on Friday to finalise the government formation process.”Farooq said that their priority is to solve all issues faced by the people here.

“We hope we are treated well by the central government and we restore statehood,” he said. “The restoration of Article 370 will take time but our first job will be restoration of statehood.”Farooq said the party would talk to Congress and decide when to take the oath.

The NC secured 42 seats out of the total 90 seats that went to polls while its allies Congress won six and CPI (M) one seat, giving the alliance a comfortable majority.

Additionally, four independent MLAs also extended their support to the NC, increasing the coalition’s tally to 53 seats.Talking to reporters, Omar Abdullah said the party was awaiting a formal letter of support from Congress before officially staking its claim with the Lieutenant Governor.

“I am grateful to the NC legislators for placing their faith in me. We now have a majority with the support of four Independent MLAs, and we are in talks with Congress to finalise the letter of support,” Omar said.

About his next steps, he said that once Congress completes its internal processes, he would approach the Lieutenant Governor to form the government.“We expect Congress to provide the letter of support soon. After that, we will move forward with the formalities,” he said.

Omar reiterated that the new government would pass a resolution and engage with the central government for the restoration of statehood.“The government should work in harmony with the Lieutenant Governor for the welfare of the people. We aim for peaceful cooperation, not confrontation to regain our rightful status as a state,” he said.

Omar declined to comment on potential portfolio allocations or whether a Congress leader might assume the Deputy Chief Minister’s position.

“This government will represent everyone – those who voted for the Congress, the NC, the BJP, and even those who chose not to vote. In Srinagar, where only 20 percent voted, the remaining 80 percent deserve governance too, just as much as those in Jammu who supported the BJP,” he said.

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