Establishment of powerful panchayat system to be great tribute to late leader
SRINAGAR Describing Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah architect of progressive, educative and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the reformative, comprehensive and equitable development concept with empowerment of common people its central theme envisioned by the late leader will loom large on the socio-economic and political spectrum of the State forever.
Omar was addressing party workers at the mausoleum of his grandfather Abdullah on the banks of Dal Lake.
Omar, his cabinet colleagues and senior party functionaries joined hundreds of people to pay floral tributes to Sheikh Abdullah. Omar said that universalization of education and implementation of land reforms were landmark and path breaking decisions of Sheikh Sahib aimed at development of youth force and socio-economic transformation of farmers.
He said that the principal of public empowerment to involve people in policy formulation and implementation of development programmes set by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah holds significance and importance in all times. Sheikh Sahibs concept of single line administration to ensure good governance is all time relevant and effective initiative to guide us in rendering needed service to the people, he added.
In an apparent reference to opposition PDP and separatists, Omar said there has been an attempt to portray Abdullah in bad light and defame him.
“There has been an attempt to portray Sheikh Abdullah in bad light and defame him, his works in the eyes of the people to show what he was not. Sheikh sahab always thought about the people and this nation,” the chief minister said.
Lashing out on Abdullah’s detractors, Omar defended his grandfather for the agreements he had with New Delhi for the benefit of the people of the state.
“This is the only state where the tillers were given owning rights to the land without any agitation. Many parts of the country are still devoid of education, but Abdullah ensured establishment of higher education institutions in the state,” he said.
Referring to the Panchayati Raj system in the state, the chief minister said Abdullah had dreamt of transferring power to grassroots level.
“The mission for empowering panchayats is not just our mission, it was the mission of the one whom we are paying tributes today (Sheikh Abdullah). He always said that people are the power and through them only can everything be achieved,” Omar said.
Omar said that the NC founder was of the view that the power should not be kept in government offices, but should be delegated to people.
Omar’s father and Union minister Farooq Abdullah was not present as Parliament is in session and the Lok Sabha is to take up a vote on a motion against FDI.
The Chief Minister said that the best way to pay tributes to Sheikh Sahib will be to strengthen the democratic and secular values and work for empowerment of common man. He said establishment of a powerful and viable panchayat raj in the State would amount realizing the dream of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Omar said that transfer of power from secretariat to grass roots and making panchayat raj flourish in the State is determination of his government. He asked the workers and lovers of great leader to work selflessly for development and upliftment of all sections of the society particularly those living below the poverty line.
Omar Abdullah asked the workers to make young generation aware of the high principles and sacrifices of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his mission for prosperous, peaceful, democratic, classless and secular society in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Omar Abdullah laid floral wreath over the grave of Sheikh Sahib and offered fateh. He also prayed for peace and development in the State and wellbeing of the people.
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