Associated News Bureau

CM Omar Abdullah Hands Appointment Orders to 55 Newly Selected JKAS, Accounts Service Officers

Srinagar, September 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distributed appointment orders to 55 newly selected candidates of the Combined Competitive Examination joining the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) and J&K Accounts (Gazetted) Service at a function held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). The newly appointed officers include 28 Junior Scale JKAS officers and 27 Accounts Officers of the J&K Accounts (Gazetted) Service. Ministers Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, M. Raju, senior officers, the newly appointed officers and their parents were present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly selected officers and their parents and families, acknowledging the hard work, perseverance and sacrifices that contributed to their success. Omar Abdullah told the officers that receiving their appointment orders marked not the destination but the beginning of a new and challenging phase of their careers. “Now you have to decide how you want people to remember you when you complete this journey. Only you can decide that,” he said, urging the officers to build their careers on competence, integrity and hard work. The Chief Minister observed that public servants are remembered not simply for the positions they occupy, but for the difference they make in the lives of people. He called upon the officers to maintain high standards of integrity and conduct themselves in a manner that earns public respect. Referring to government files, applications and complaints, Omar Abdullah said that behind every such matter lies the story of an individual. While every grievance may not necessarily be justified, he said, there is invariably a reason behind it, requiring public servants to demonstrate sensitivity and understand the problems faced by citizens. He urged the officers to look beyond promotions and postings and recognise the responsibility and opportunity that comes with joining the civil services. “Don’t keep postings and promotions in mind. Just think that you have got a chance which very few people get,” the Chief Minister said. He also asked the young officers to prepare for the emerging challenges Jammu and Kashmir may face over the coming decades, including improving education, making urban areas cleaner and more liveable, addressing climate change and adapting to rapidly developing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. The Chief Minister said the nature of governance and societal challenges could undergo significant changes over the next 10 to 20 years, making it essential for the new generation of officers to remain adaptable, innovative and committed to public service. Omar Abdullah assured the officers that the Government would provide all possible support to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively and overcome challenges during their professional careers. “You will be in the service. You have to take advantage of that stability and assurance and think about how you would like to see Jammu and Kashmir at the end of your service,” he said. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the newly appointed officers would live up to the expectations of their parents, families and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Wishing them success in their careers, he advised the officers to always choose the right path, even when doing so may be difficult. “Make the right decision and serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Omar Abdullah said.