‘We’re repaying moral obligation, not distributing favours’
Srinagar, May 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday handed over appointment orders to beneficiaries under SRO-43 and the J&K Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) at the Civil Secretariat here, reaffirming the government’s commitment towards supporting families who have suffered irreparable personal loss.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and other senior officers were present during the distribution event. The outstation minister, officers and beneficiaries participated in the event through video conferencing.
A total of 52 appointees hailing from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir received appointment orders under SRO-43 and RAS during simultaneous events held in Srinagar and Jammu.
Addressing the newly-appointed beneficiaries, the Chief Minister said that the government was only fulfilling its responsibility and not extending any favour.
“The first thing I would like to say is that the government that has given you these orders here and in Jammu is not doing you a favour; it is our duty. While fulfilling this duty, we also realise that you have had to make a huge sacrifice to get these government orders,” the Chief Minister said.
Drawing a distinction between ordinary recruitment process and the circumstances under which the beneficiaries had become eligible for compassionate appointment, the Chief Minister said that unlike regular aspirants who secure jobs through examinations and interviews, the appointees under these schemes have endured profound personal tragedies.
“To get a government job, we usually ask our children to pass examinations and interviews. But the test you have faced has been far more difficult because you had to lose someone dear to you to reach this stage. That is why I say we are not distributing these orders as a favour, but rather repaying a moral obligation,” he added.
The Chief Minister observed that the government functions as one collective family and emphasized the importance of standing together in times of grief and hardship.
“We want this government and all of us working within it, whether in the Secretariat or outside, to function as one larger family. We must not only share each other’s pain but also support one another during difficult circumstances. This initiative is a small step in that direction so that your families can move forward and not suffer any further hardship,” he said.
Urging the appointees to discharge their duties with sincerity and dedication, the Chief Minister said public service should always remain centred on helping people and contributing positively to society.
“Our only expectation from you is that wherever you are posted, you serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir with honesty, commitment and dedication. Whatever role we hold in government, our purpose remains the same—that when we return home in the evening, we should feel satisfied that our day’s work has benefited someone. If you perform your duties honestly, that itself will be the greatest tribute to those whose memories brought you here today,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not made to run from office to office for compassionate appointments.
“We are committed to ensuring that you do not have to move from pillar to post to obtain your appointment orders. That would be a grave injustice to all of you. We will ensure that the process is expedited and all remaining cases are cleared at the earliest,” he assured.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the administration for facilitating timely appointments and extending support to families during difficult times.
