Inclusive Development Across All States Key to Realising ‘Viksit Bharat’: CM Omar Abdullah

Jammu:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the vision of “Viksit Bharat” can only be achieved through inclusive and equitable development across every state and region of the country. He emphasised that progress limited to a few select areas would leave the national aspiration incomplete.Speaking as the Guest of Honour at a conference held in Jammu, the Chief Minister highlighted the transformative role of technology in governance, noting that digital reforms have significantly improved administrative efficiency and transparency.Referring to the transition towards digital administration, Omar Abdullah pointed to the e-Office system as a major reform that has reshaped government functioning.”One reform that has made a huge difference is the e-office system. Paper files have virtually disappeared. We have come a long way to a point where I rarely see a paper file,” he said.The Chief Minister noted that digitisation has enhanced both efficiency and accountability in governance, though it has also brought new challenges.”Every file is now time-stamped. Technology has made life easier but also more transparent and demanding,” he observed.Highlighting improvements in administrative coordination, Omar Abdullah said the use of virtual meetings has strengthened communication between the government and district administrations.”Earlier, district collectors had to travel to Jammu or Srinagar for meetings, and that would happen once or twice a year. Now it happens at the drop of a hat,” he said.However, he advised officials to ensure disciplined use of technology so that frequent meetings do not disrupt important fieldwork.Calling for genuine implementation of citizen-centric reforms, the Chief Minister stressed that systems designed to simplify governance must work effectively in practice.”If we have a single-window system, it should actually function as a single window. Sometimes a single window leads to another window and then a wall behind it. That is not what governance should look like,” he remarked candidly.Describing conferences like the current one as important platforms, Omar Abdullah said such gatherings help in sharing best practices and building stronger professional relationships.”These platforms allow us to exchange ideas and strengthen coordination. Face-to-face interaction makes communication easier and more effective,” he said.The Chief Minister further emphasised that elected representatives and administrators share a common goal — delivering development and quality services to citizens.”Whether it is myself, Dr. Jitendra Singh Sahab or the Hon’ble MP, we all share the same objective: ensuring that people receive what they expect from us in terms of development, governance and services,” he stated.He added that citizens deserve a government that delivers on its promises in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors.Expressing gratitude to the Union Minister for choosing Jammu as the venue, Omar Abdullah also extended an invitation to host future conferences in Srinagar.”I hope that next year we can entice you to come to Srinagar and keep this process going,” he said.Concluding his address, the Chief Minister welcomed all delegates and expressed confidence that the deliberations at the conference would contribute significantly to strengthening governance frameworks across the country.