Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distributed appointment orders to 55 candidates selected through the Combined Competitive Examination for the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) and J&K Accounts (Gazetted) Service, marking the beginning of their careers in public administration.
Addressing a function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), the Chief Minister congratulated the newly appointed officers and their families, acknowledging the hard work, determination and sacrifices that had gone into their selection.
Omar told the officers that receiving their appointment orders was not the culmination of their journey but the beginning of their responsibility towards the people.
“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 young officers to build their careers on competence, honesty and hard work.
He said public servants were remembered not merely for the positions they occupied but for the difference they made in the lives of ordinary people.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of integrity in public service and urged the officers to understand the concerns of citizens who approach government offices.
“Behind every government file, application and complaint is the story of a person,” Omar said, adding that while every grievance may not necessarily be justified, there was always a reason behind a complaint that officials should seek to understand.
Omar advised the newly appointed officers not to make postings and promotions the primary focus of their careers, but instead concentrate on the responsibility and opportunity that came 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,” he said.
He encouraged the officers to use the stability and opportunities available to them in government service to contribute meaningfully to Jammu and Kashmir’s development.
The Chief Minister also asked the officers to prepare for the challenges that Jammu and Kashmir is likely to face over the next two decades.
These, he said, would include improving the quality of education, making cities cleaner and more liveable, addressing the impact of climate change and adapting to rapidly emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The nature of governance and the challenges confronting society could change substantially over the next 10 to 20 years, Omar said, stressing the need for officers to remain adaptable, innovative and committed to public service.
He assured the new officers that the government would provide the necessary support as they discharge their responsibilities and face challenges during their 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.
Omar expressed hope that the newly appointed officers would live up to the expectations of their families as well as the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged them to uphold their responsibilities even when faced with difficult choices and to remain guided by the principles of public service.
“Make the right decision and serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister said.
Among those present at the function were 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 GAD officers, the newly appointed officers and their parents.
