DECEMBER 05: Whether or not a holiday is declared, Sher-e-Kashmir lives in the hearts of people, says CM Omar Abdullah

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 04(STC): Even as the authority to notify public holidays in Jammu & Kashmir rests with the Centre, not the elected government, Sheikh Abdullah’s legacy does not depend on government orders, said Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here today while talking to reporters.
“Whether or not a holiday is declared, Sher-e-Kashmir lives in the hearts of people. Even today, the sword awarded to the best cadet in the passing-out parade is named after him,” he said.
CM Omar said that under the present distribution of powers, the elected dispensation in J&K cannot add or remove holidays on its own.
“This power lies with the central government. That is why we say statehood should be restored, so we can take both major and minor decisions ourselves,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) earlier known as SRO-43 which provides employment to a family member of a government employee who dies in service.
He said the government has processed a large number of cases and recently issued around 60 appointment orders in Kashmir. Departments have been instructed to set realistic deadlines and strictly adhere to them, he added.
Responding to a query on the renaming of government institutions, Omar quoted Shakespeare:
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
He said that people care more about governance and timely services than labels or titles.
“Whether it is called Raj Bhawan or Lok Bhawan, the purpose must be to provide ease and comfort to the public,” he said.
(Straight Talk Communications)