J&K CM Omar Abdullah sets up outreach cell at residence, to meet public delegations for grievance redressal- The Week

The Jammu and Kashmir government led by Omar Abdullah has established a public relations and outreach cell at the chief minister’s residence on Gupkar Road in Srinagar.

The initiative aims to address public grievances and create a more accessible government. It is part of a broader effort to improve communication with the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the assembly elections held in September and October.

According to chief minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, the cell will improve communication between people and government officials, ensuring swift resolution of grievances. He said that the cell would welcome feedback from the people.

“The cell will operate during regular office hours, staffed by officers available to assist with various issues,” he said. “The chief minister will meet with public delegations to hear their concerns.” He said a detailed schedule of the chief minister’s availability will be made public soon.

Wani said the cell will serve as a mechanism for grievance redressal and a channel for public suggestions.

He stressed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability through the cell. The chief minister and his cabinet ministers are making visible efforts to ease the difficulties faced by the people.

The Minister of Education and Health, Sakeena Massod, reverted the academic calendar in Jammu and Kashmir to November-December. The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration had changed the calendar to March to align it with the rest of the country. However, soon after the elected government took over, the academic calendar reverted to holding exams in November-December, followed by the closure of educational institutions in winter. The decision was appreciated by parents and students.

This is the second grievance cell up in Jammu and Kashmir to address grievances. The first was established by the LG administration after the abrogation of Article 370. The cell has been working for several years and has been actively pursuing complaints from the people with the government departments.