KL Report
SRINAGAR
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Monday termed the return of the power projects from NHPC a ‘a litmus test’ for Government’s credibility, saying he has discussed the issue at threadbare with the prime minister and modalities over the process are being looked into.
The statement of the chief minister came in the backdrop of the recent remarks by the Union Power minister citing legal and financial restrains in returns power projects to the Jammu and Kashmir state from NHPC.
Mufti while addressing the Legislative Assembly Monday reiterated that his government is committed to bring back the power projects to JK and that process for the same has started after his discussion over the issue with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi.
The chief minister in his detailed address to the house termed the present situation in the state ‘stable and peaceful’ while crediting the people of Jammu and Kashmir for believing in democratic principles. He also hailed the security agencies for avoiding the violent incidents and said that the crucial role played by the Jammu and Kashmir Police can in no way be ignored at ‘any level’. “They have faced threats and have suffered a lot in the past. They (JK Police) continue to endanger their lives for the safety of the state,” Mufti remarked.
He maintained that people have exercised their franchise during the recently held polls in the state and revealed to the world that they have a firm belief in the principles of democracy. “2014 elections revealed what the people of Jammu and Kashmir want. They have taken part in elections so that peace could be restored in the state at an earliest.”
While terming the Legislative Assembly as the most powerful institution in the state, the chief minister said the government would continue if efforts in restoring the credibility of the house.
While reacting to the earlier reports, Mufti said ‘JK is not a prison but a place wherein people have resolved to end their woes by believing in the institution of democracy’.
The chief minister added that to tackle the menace of rising crimes and drugs would be a great challenge besides regulating the traffic which at present is in a chaotic form. He added further that the state dispensation is mulling to introduce a policy wherein SPOs could be engaged in a police department. “The present wages of SPOs in the state is Rs 3000 a month and government has discussed the issue with the Union Home Ministry so that the wages of such men could be enhanced to Rs 6000 a month,” chief minister informed the house, besides asking police force to remain friendly with the common masses in the state.
The chief minister said the flood threat which has emerged in valley after the incessant rains is being tamed at all levels and relief and rescue operations have been already started. “It is a challenge to tackle with the situation. 2200 crores have been sanctioned by the GOI and same shall be spent for rebuilding the lives of destitute flood victims,” he said.
Terming the BJP-PDP coalition government ‘accountable and transparent’, Mufti said, “Good governance and accountability would be the top priorities of the new dispensation. We want a stable employment policy in which recruitments will be done purely on the grounds of merit under the accountable and transparent system.”
Hinting at another overhaul in the civil administration, the chief minister said the government would not allow some bad fishes to pollute the entire pond. “Corrupt officials in the state will not be allowed to make the entire administration hostage. The government is committed to strengthen the functioning of the anti- graft bodies including SAC, SVC and others.” Mufti added that the transfer policy will be thoroughly implemented in the state wherein no official shall be allowed to hold his post at a particular place for more than three years.
He said the advertisements given to newspapers will be channelized in a proper manner besides a press club being established in Srinagar.
Training guns at the arch rival National Conference, Mufti while addressing to NC general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar said: “You sold JK bank to RBI. Sagar sahib this was the wrong decision indeed. The Bank was an institution which always had helped the state government to get out of the financial crises. You have undermined the vitality of state’s autonomy.”
