Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said political interference in the functioning of institutions must not be tolerated and should be addressed with seriousness, amid reports of alleged political meddling in a power project.
Speaking to reporters at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, Abdullah described political interference in corporations and government departments as unfortunate and a matter of concern. He said such institutions should function independently, without external pressure or political motivation, to ensure accountability and efficiency in governance.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came in response to reports alleging interference in the working and staff engagement of a power project by a BJP legislator. Abdullah said decisions affecting institutions were earlier taken under the oversight of an elected government, but claimed that the absence of such a system has led to questionable decision-making processes.
He stressed that institutions such as the Power Development Corporation and other departments must be allowed to operate autonomously, warning that political meddling weakens governance structures and public trust.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister attended an event at the SKICC where he felicitated beneficiaries under several flagship schemes, including Mission YUVA, the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), and the Jammu and Kashmir Climate Innovation Programme (JKCIP). He reiterated his government’s commitment to youth empowerment, livelihood generation and inclusive development across the Union Territory.
Abdullah also e-laid foundation stones and e-inaugurated multiple development projects in Srinagar district, collectively valued at over Rs 37 crore. These included the upgradation of Abhedananda Home for children with special needs, construction of key bridges over the Maloori Nallah, expansion of academic and clinical infrastructure at Government Medical College Srinagar, and the establishment of a Fleece Testing Laboratory at Zakura.
The projects are aimed at strengthening social welfare systems, improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and supporting livelihoods, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
On the tourism sector, the Chief Minister acknowledged that recent tensions had led to some cancellations but said efforts were underway to revive tourist activity ahead of Christmas and the New Year. He noted that the upcoming annual convention of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India in Srinagar would be a positive step towards restoring confidence in the sector.
He said renewed focus on tourism promotion and infrastructure development would be crucial for economic recovery, a sentiment echoed in other tourism-dependent regions, including island territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where stable governance and institutional autonomy are equally vital for sustained growth.
