Jammu: Emphasising the need for an
administration free of political influences, Jammu and Kashmir
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said an apolitical
bureaucracy is necessary for steering the country to new
pinnacles of social justice, rule of law and transparency.
Addressing civil servants at a function in Mussorie in
Himachal Pradesh this morning, Omar asked IAS, IFS and IPS
officers to always keep their doors open to the public.
"In your career in the civil services, you have to face
different challenges and come across troublesome situations.
This will help you to get first hand information about the
requirements of people as also to address their grievances
positively and effectively," he said at the Lal Bahadur
Shastri National Academy.
He said that in the present political scenario, the image
of politicians and bureaucrats has been tainted due to cases
of corruption, and even efficient bureaucrats are recognised
as masters of red tape.
"Both have to endeavour to come out of these categories
and prove their mettle by their deeds and service", he said.
Stating that majority population of India is below 30
years of age, the Chief Minister said young bureaucrats have
to give new dimension to the functioning of the bureaucracy
and their association with young politicians would give new
impetus to the socio-economic development of the country.
"When dynamism, sincerity, honesty and zest work together
there will be no two opinions about the country achieving new
highs in all respects," he said.
Stating that Jammu and Kashmir is diverse not only
geographically but also ideologically, Omar said while most
people of the state are "broad minded and emancipated", there
is a minority who is reluctant to change their mindset.
He said his government has adopted a policy to address
both political instability and economic distress, and much
headway has been made on both fronts.
"The biggest crisis I face presently is that of
unemployment. In a state like J&K where private investors are
unwilling to venture for unpalatable political situation,
creation of job market in the private sector is more
complicated," he said.
The government is the only organization providing jobs in
the state, Omar said, adding, his government has taken new
initiatives to rope in the private sector and give fillip to
skills development programmes in the state.
The Chief Minister said an important feature of his day
to day functioning is to constantly build rapport with the
public.
"Ministers and officers at all levels have been directed
to make public meetings a necessary part of their working
schedule," he said, referring to the Awami Mulaqats and video
conferences he has initiated to get first hand information
about political situations and development works.
-PTI
