Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Oct 16:
Asserting that they were hopeful of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir within the first year of government formation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill his promise for the same made to the people of the Union territory.
Abdullah also said the National Conference government, which completed one year in office on Thursday, is committed to the promises made to the people in its election manifesto.
“We were hopeful that the Centre would fulfil its promise to restore statehood (to J-K) in the first year of our government, but it has not happened. I request the prime minister and his team to fulfil the promise made to us by restoring statehood,” Abdullah said while addressing a press conference here.
The NC government has made efforts to restore statehood, as “we brought a resolution”, he said.
Abdullah said his government is working for the betterment of J-K’s people, and it will fulfil all the promises made to them in the run-up to the elections last year.
“When we sought votes from people, it was not for one year but for the full five-year term. People have started raising questions, but I want to tell them, please ask the questions after five years,” Abdullah said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced the resumption of traditional bi-annual Darbar Move practice after the gap of more than four years. The bi-annual Darbar Move practice was halted by the Lieutenant Governor.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Minister, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the cabinet has given nod for the revival of the century-old practice.
“The file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor and has been approved.
‘Fulfill promise
The government is reviving the practice soon,” he said. The Cabinet had recommended a return to the full-fledged Darbar Move in September this year.
The practice was initiated in 1872 by Maharaja Gulab Singh to move the capital between Jammu in the winter and Srinagar in the summer.
It continued for over a century, providing administrative access to both regions. The practice was, however, halted by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in 2021.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today handed over regularisation orders to 863 Contingent Paid Workers (CPWs) of the School Education Department from multiple districts of Jammu province.
The occasion also witnessed the formal inauguration of the Vidya Samiksha Kendra under Samagra Shiksha and the launch of a suite of new ICT and analytics platforms aimed at strengthening the education ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Minister for Health, Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education & Social Welfare Sakina Itoo; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; Members of Legislative Assembly Pyare Lal and Er. Khurshid Ahmed; Secretary, School Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma; Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Bhawani Rakwal and Director, School Education Jammu Naseem Chowdhary.
In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed satisfaction over the fulfilment of a long-pending demand, commending the dedication and patience of CPWs awaiting regularisation. He lauded Minister Sakina Itoo, the School Education Department and the administrative leadership for their coordinated efforts in achieving this milestone.
The Chief Minister announced that nearly one thousand infrastructure works are currently underway in the education sector, with approximately ₹450 crore earmarked for civil works under the School Education Department. He stated that by March 2026, all Higher Secondary and High Schools in Jammu and Kashmir would be equipped with smart classrooms and laboratories, enabling students to compete with their peers nationwide.
Reflecting on the government’s first year, the Chief Minister said the journey had presented challenges but also immense satisfaction in achieving meaningful reforms. He called upon the newly regularised employees to dedicate themselves to public service, reiterating that “the future of the next generation depends on the quality of education we deliver today.”
He also felicitated 25 NEET and JEE achievers from the Jammu region, presenting them with certificates and tablets, and encouraged them to continue striving for academic excellence.
Minister Sakina Itoo described the regularisation as a “moment of relief and recognition for hundreds of families.” She credited the Chief Minister’s steadfast determination for making this day possible. She said that in Kashmir, about 400 CPWs have already been regularised, with pending cases being processed expeditiously.
Reviewing the government’s first-year achievements, she highlighted accelerated disposal of DPCs and staff promotions, fast-tracking of recruitment in Higher Education, and revival of dormant colleges. Under Samagra Shiksha, she stated, around 600 development works are underway, including smart labs and infrastructure improvements aligned with the National Education Policy.
Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani described the day as historic, symbolising one year of constructive governance under CM Omar Abdullah. He praised the CPWs’ unwavering dedication and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to accelerate governance and service delivery. Wani observed that regularising CPWs is a testament to the government’s commitment to justice and inclusivity.
At the outset, Secretary Ram Niwas Sharma delivered the welcome address, highlighting the government’s resolve to strengthen the education sector through institutional reforms, technological infusion, capacity building, and equitable access.
He noted that the regularisation of CPWs reflects the administration’s commitment to providing stability and dignity to long-serving workers who have contributed selflessly to public service.
Simultaneously, the Chief Minister unveiled Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a holistic educational monitoring and analytics platform under Samagra Shiksha.
The School Education Department also rolled out several new ICT initiatives, including J&K Digilearn, Shikshak Sahayak, JK Edu Insights, JK MIS, JK CRM and Teachers Analytics Portal.
