Ganderbal, Feb 24, KNT: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that development works worth nearly Rs 80 crore were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid during his visit to Ganderbal constituency.
Interacting with reporters, the Chief Minister said the projects include installation of a CT Scan facility at Ganderbal District Hospital, a new water supply scheme, drainage infrastructure, and a proposed bypass road aimed at decongesting traffic at Beehama Chowk. He said some works have already commenced while others have been formally approved and will begin shortly.
Addressing administrative concerns, Abdullah termed the “additional charge syndrome” a persistent issue across Jammu and Kashmir. He said several departments, including Revenue and Health, are currently operating with officers holding multiple responsibilities. The government, he said, is exploring ways to streamline postings and reduce dependency on additional charge arrangements to improve efficiency.
On the advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs asking Indian students in Iran to return home, the Chief Minister said the advisory should not be taken lightly. He stated that while the situation in Iran may appear normal at present, students have sufficient time to leave voluntarily. “If they delay, it could become a problem later,” he said, urging them to book tickets and return home as a precautionary measure.
Responding to reports of alleged harassment of Kashmiri students in Punjab, Abdullah said the Punjab government would not be part of any action targeting students. He said he would speak to the Punjab Chief Minister and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved at the university level. [KNT]
