DH NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Apr 23
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that the genuine concerns of all sections of society would be addressed on priority, underlining his government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development across the Union Territory. The assurance came during a series of meetings with multiple public and trade delegations who called on the chief minister in Jammu and placed before him a wide range of issues concerning development, economic growth, and policy support.
According to officials, the interactions reflected the government’s continued outreach to stakeholders from different sectors, aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring that policies are aligned with the needs of the people. Delegations representing trade bodies, social organisations, and regional groups shared their concerns and suggestions, seeking timely intervention and facilitation from the administration.
A prominent delegation led by Arun Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, raised several key issues affecting trade and commerce in the region. The delegation highlighted challenges faced by the business community, including operational constraints, infrastructural gaps, and policy-related hurdles that impact the ease of doing business. They stressed the need for creating a more conducive and business-friendly environment to enhance economic activity and attract investment.
The representatives pointed out that sustained policy support and streamlined procedures are essential to boost trade and industry. They urged the government to address bottlenecks that slow down commercial operations and to introduce measures that would simplify regulatory processes. Emphasising the importance of economic stability, the delegation called for continued dialogue between the government and business stakeholders to ensure long-term growth.
During the interaction, the industry representatives also expressed their appreciation to the chief minister for the restoration of the Darbar Move, describing it as a significant step that has positively impacted the regional economy. They noted that the move has led to increased economic activity, particularly benefiting local markets, rental businesses, the hospitality sector, and transport services. According to them, the revival of this practice has helped rejuvenate commercial life in the region, bringing relief to traders and service providers who depend on seasonal administrative shifts.
Another delegation, led by Vivek Verma of the Pir Panjal Welfare and Development Trust, presented a comprehensive set of demands focusing on the developmental needs of the Pir Panjal region. The members highlighted the aspirations of the local population and called for targeted initiatives to address long-standing issues.
The delegation placed particular emphasis on the untapped tourism potential of the Pir Panjal region, noting that its natural beauty and cultural richness could be leveraged to boost the local economy. They urged the government to adopt a focused and sustainable approach towards tourism development, including improving connectivity, promoting eco-tourism, and ensuring adequate infrastructure to support visitors.
In addition to tourism, the delegation underscored the need to strengthen essential services such as healthcare and education. They pointed out that many areas in the region still face inadequate medical facilities and limited access to quality education. Addressing these gaps, they said, is crucial for improving the quality of life and ensuring equitable development.
The issue of drinking water supply was also raised, with members calling for reliable and consistent access to clean water in remote and border areas. They further highlighted the importance of generating employment opportunities, especially for the youth, who often face limited prospects in these regions. Expanding skill development programmes and creating avenues for sustainable livelihoods were among the suggestions put forward during the meeting.
Responding to the concerns, the chief minister assured all delegations that their issues would be taken up on priority and addressed in a time-bound manner. He emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring that development reaches every corner of Jammu and Kashmir, without discrimination or delay. He also reiterated that inclusive growth remains a central pillar of the administration’s policy framework.
The chief minister noted that constructive engagement with stakeholders is essential for effective governance and informed decision-making. He said the government values the inputs provided by various sections of society and will continue to maintain an open channel of communication to address emerging challenges.
Reaffirming his government’s resolve, Omar Abdullah said that balanced regional development, economic progress, and social welfare would remain key priorities. He assured that efforts would be made to ensure that all regions, including remote and border areas, receive due attention and resources.
The meetings concluded on a positive note, with delegations expressing hope that their concerns would translate into concrete actions in the near future. Officials indicated that follow-up measures would be initiated to review the issues raised and implement appropriate solutions, reflecting the government’s commitment to responsive and inclusive administration.
