CM asks administration to set tone for next 6 years

Jammu, Jan 09: The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today asked the administration to formulate agenda for the first 100 days of the coalition Government to set the tone for the governance for the six years of its tenure. 

Addressing a meeting of Administrative Secretaries here today, the Chief Minister said that it is a new year and a new beginning and he would like everyone to begin with a new page. He said every one of us has to work hard and ensure best possible governance and delivery to match the expectations of the people of the State. 

The Chief Minister said that he would fix the priorities and the administration has to implement these in a time-bound manner. "Because of generation shift and I being the youngest Chief Minister of the State, people are looking at the Government with high expectations", said the Chief Minister. 

He told the participants that it was not for him to tell them what to do and how to do it. "You have a wealth of experience and I want to tap it. Pick up the ball and get started. It is a fresh beginning and all of us have to rise to the occasion and serve the people", said the Chief Minister, adding "you have delivered during the recently-held most successful elections". He said he has received enormous support from the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and the State unit of the Congress. 

Abdullah said, he was not looking for loyalty for any particular political party from the officers who, he said, will be judged by their performance, adding that he will not be vindictive as he was not carrying any baggage. Abdullah said that he would be accessible to the best possible extent. 

The Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, in his address, assured the Chief Minister wholehearted cooperation in implementing the development agenda for the welfare of the people and the State. He said that the foundation laid by the previous Government for all round development of the State in key sectors of infrastructure would be taken forward. "We have a competent team of officers and I am sure that they will match the speed with which you want to work", said the Deputy Chief Minister. 

Earlier, the Chief Secretary, S. S. Kapur, while welcoming the Chief Minister, said that massive turnout of people in the just-concluded Assembly elections is a huge challenge for the Government to deliver and serve the people better. He said people have high expectations from the Government and assured that the administration will do its best to ensure good governance in the State. 

Kapur said that the administration endeavoured hard to deliver during Governor's rule, adding that the Governor, N. N. Vohra provided dynamic leadership and there is a good regard for the State Administration in New Delhi.

Earlier, the Administrative Secretaries were introduced to the Chief Minister. (NAK)