CM Omar calls for increasing coverage under social inclusion schemes

Stresses on immediate tendering and execution of works

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of financial inclusion schemes, social security coverage, district capex and progress of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) works programme. The Chief Minister also reviewed the GST collection – tax and non-tax revenue for the current financial year.

The meeting was attended by the Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, all Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, and other concerned, both in person and through virtual mode.

Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, gave a detailed presentation on the financial and social inclusion schemes, revenue generation trends and district-wise progress under capex and CDF works.

The Chief Minister noted tardy pace in uploading & tendering of works and issued directions to all departments and districts to focus on revenue realization & social inclusion schemes and monitor progress on a monthly basis rather than leaving corrective measures to the last quarter of the financial year.

“Departments must not wait for February and March to chase revenue targets. Each department will receive specific communication from the Finance Department flagging their areas of concern and giving a six-month revenue target breakdown. They should start working on improving revenue realization today, with a clear monthly plan,” the Chief Minister stressed.

He further directed that Deputy Commissioners will be given district-specific instructions from the Finance Department, particularly regarding the coverage of social welfare schemes such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, Integrated Social Security Scheme, widow, old-age and disability pensions. He called DCs to find out reasons for drop in enrollment of account holders under PMJDY and other schemes. “We will conduct another review of social welfare schemes after three months, and I expect to see a significant improvement in coverage at the district level,” Omar Abdullah said.

CM called for expediting finalization of works plans under the CDF and to upload the works on BEAMS portal. He gave instructions that MLAs be informed about the works included in the UT & District Capex plans which were prioritized by the MLAs during pre-budget meetings and to intimate them about works which were found unviable.

The Chief Minister cautioned that delays in revenue mobilization could force the government into difficult decisions such as imposing cuts in departmental expenditure. “If departments do not want to find themselves in a position where expenditure is curtailed, they must focus as far as possible on improving revenue realization. The responsibility lies with each department to ensure timely progress,” he emphasized.

During the meeting, it was noted that while social security schemes have shown impressive growth in recent years—with PMJDY account holders crossing 23 lakh, PMSBY enrollments touching 23.8 lakh account holders, and PMJJBY covering nearly 9.83 lakh individuals.

Similarly, in respect of welfare schemes administered by Building & Other Construction Workers Board, the meeting was informed that ₹166.90 crore was disbursed to 2.5 lakh beneficiaries in 2024-25, yet active worker registration remains low, requiring expansion efforts.

The Chief Minister underlined the need to strengthen monitoring of both expenditure and revenue flows, ensure 100% uploading of works on BEAMS, and expedite the accord of administrative approvals, tendering and execution of district capex works. He also called for intensified awareness campaigns to improve access to social security schemes and faster settlement of claims.

The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to social security, inclusive growth and fiscal discipline, while urging all departments and Deputy Commissioners to work in close coordination with the Finance Department to achieve the set targets—(KNO)

Govt Orders Transfers, New Postings in J&K Departments

Srinagar, Aug 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ordered a series of transfers and postings of officials across multiple departments with immediate effect.

In an official Order issed by GAD-JK as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Ramesh Kumar, Private Secretary, has been shifted from the Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks and posted in the Civil Aviation Department, while Nisar Ahmad Bhat, Private Secretary, has been moved from the Civil Aviation Department to the Science & Technology Department.

Similarly, Umer Dar, Senior Stenographer, was transferred from the Directorate of Motor Garages, J&K, to the Transport Department. Ms. Ruhi Talgotra, Junior Stenographer, presently awaiting adjustment in the GAD, has now been posted in the Transport Department.

Further, Sunil Singh, Junior Stenographer, has been shifted from the Transport Department to the Civil Aviation Department, and Anees Hassan, Junior Stenographer, was transferred from the J&K Services Selection Board to the Civil Aviation Department.

The order issued by the General Administration Department states that all these officers and officials shall be deemed relieved with immediate effect. (KNC)

J&K Government Dismisses Employee for Drug-Related Crime

Srinagar, Aug 14: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has dismissed an employee of the Irrigation Division in Tral from service after he was found involved in a narcotic-related case.

According to Government Order as per news agency Kashmir News Corner— KNC, The employee, identified as Farooq Ahmad Najar, an Orderly cum Chowkidar, was dismissed under Article 311(2) of the Constitution of India.

Najar was involved in FIR No. 0043/2024 under sections 8, 21, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kakapora. He was arrested following the recovery of 6.5 grams of Brown Sugar from his possession.

The order states that Najar was placed under suspension on November 26, 2024, and an inquiry was initiated.

The inquiry officer’s report concluded that Najar had not only failed to uphold the integrity expected of a public servant but had also “actively engaged in activities detrimental to public welfare.” The report noted that his involvement in an “illicit drug network” posed a significant threat to public safety and contributed to crime and social instability.

Following a detailed review of the evidence, the competent authority decided to dismiss Najar from service with immediate effect, disqualifying him from any future government employment.

The government stated that his continued employment would pose a “grave risk to public welfare and erode trust in government institutions.” (KNC)