Srinagar, July 19: Without naming any particular political party, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that people “are the best judges to judge the performance of the government and those who are indulging in false propaganda against the coalition will eat humble pie in the 2014 Assembly elections.”
 Omar’s statement comes amidst opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s oft-repeated assertion that “people must judge political parties on the basis of performance and not the hollow-sloganeering.”
 Omar said the promises made by his government for holistic and equitable development is “showing visible and conspicuous impact on ground across the state.” “Propaganda or no propaganda, actions speak louder than words and our work on both development and peace fronts is before the people to judge us,” he asserted.
 Addressing a public gathering at Batpora in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, after laying foundation of Mini Secretariat and inaugurating Officers’ Hostel here, the Chief Minister said that “progressive and prosperous” Jammu and Kashmir is the target of his dispensation and every area is being focused in the development policy that is being followed. “The benefits of restoration of peace are being carried to all areas in the shape of development and public empowerment,” he said.
 He said his government is keen to shift the power seat from Secretariat to grassroots level public representatives so that they are involved in decision-making and implementation of development schemes. “The establishment of Panchayat Raj Institutions and transfer of sufficient powers to PRIs is an important step in this direction,” he said. “We have empowered Panchayats adequately. We have sensitized administration in this regard. We have provided both funds and powers to these institutions. Now, it is their duty to act and act in the interest of general public.”
 He said three-tier Panchayat Raj System would be in place by the end of this year.
 Omar said by enacting and implementing Public Service Guarantee Act, his government has made delivery of some 70 services in seven departments’ time-bound. “Now, people are empowered enough to demand these services within the stipulated time frame fixed for such services,” he said,” The laxity or failure on the part of any official in service delivery will amount to punishing him.”
 On the development of Shopian, the Chief Minister said that 349 new primary schools have been opened in Shopian district besides upgrading 234 primary schools to upper primary level and 19 middle schools to high school level. He said 795 teachers were engaged and 219 primary school and 31 middle school buildings constructed.
 Omar said that 48 schemes have been taken up for improvement and up-gradation of drinking water supply system in the district. He said 10 water supply schemes with an estimated cost of Rs. 25.87 crores have been completed during the last year, benefiting 40 villages. He said another eight schemes are being completed this year at a cost of Rs. 24.22 crores to benefit 61 villages.
 Earlier, interacting with fruit growers at Shopian Fruit Mandi, the Chief Minister said that he would direct the concerned department to take all measures in making Shopian Fruit Mandi one of the best Fruit Mandis in the State. “We want Shopian to be known for both for apple production and for state-of-the-art Fruit Market. Our endeavour will be to bring traders at your doorsteps so that you have not to move outside in this regard,” he told the growers.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST