Tourism promotion in Srinagar city a key focus of my Govt: CM Omar Abdullah

Says finalization of JKAS departmental examination syllabus in final stages

States matter taken up with MHA to transfer portion of debt and liabilities to Ladakh UT

JAMMU, MARCH 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that the government is prioritizing the promotion of religious and tourism places in Srinagar city to boost tourism and attract more visitors.“Places like Dal, Nishat, Shalimar, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, shrines, temples, gurudwaras, and other landmarks define the uniqueness of Srinagar. We are committed to promoting these destinations,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the Legislative Assembly.

He was responding to a query raised by Member Ali Mohammad Sagar regarding the tourism sector’s role in J&K’s economy and the steps taken to enhance tourist inflow.The Chief Minister emphasized that tourism is a key pillar of J&K’s economy, significantly contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment generation. “The sector provides direct and indirect livelihood opportunities including hotel staff, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir vendors, and local youth,” he said.

He further informed the House that efforts are underway to diversify the tourism sector by promoting various forms of tourism, including Adventure tourism.MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, Golf tourism, Eco-tourism, Pilgrimage tourism and Cultural and Heritage tourism“This diversification is intended to attract a wider range of visitors to Jammu & Kashmir,” he added.

 As Minister in charge of the Tourism Department, the Chief Minister highlighted that the government is actively promoting J&K’s top tourist destinations through advertising campaigns on national and international platforms.Additionally, the Tourism Department is focusing on the development of off-beat destinations to expand tourism beyond traditional spots.

 “We are working on developing lesser-explored destinations like Gurez, Keran, Bungus, Tosamaidan, Aharbal, Doodhpathri, Machail, Bhaderwah, Sukrala Mata, and Pancheri to attract more tourists,” he said. The Chief Minister stated that tourist arrivals in J&K have seen a significant increase in the last two years. In 2023, J&K recorded 2,11,80,011 tourist visits and in 2024, the number increased to 2,35,90,081, he informed.

 The Chief Minister also provided an update on infrastructure-related projects undertaken by the Tourism Department over the last three years: In 2022-23, 984 projects were initiated, with 549 completed; In 2023-24, 1,191 projects were taken up, and 516 were completed and in 2024-25 (till date), 1,914 projects have been started, out of which 1,057 have been completed.“Our focus remains on strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring sustained growth in the sector,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the J&K Legislative Assembly that the finalization of the syllabus for the 2018-24 batches of J&K Administrative Services is in its final stages, and the examinations will be conducted soon thereafter. Responding to a supplementary question from Member Aijaz Ahmad Jan, the Chief Minister acknowledged the delays but assured that the process is now nearing completion.

 “The government has gradually streamlined these processes, which had been delayed for some time. However, the complexity of the revision caused an unavoidable delay. This is the first syllabus revision since 2000—after nearly 25 years—which required significant changes,” he said.He further explained that the administration conducted a comparative analysis of J&K’s syllabus with those of other States and Union Territories to ensure alignment with national standards.

 “Necessary modifications have been incorporated, and relevant departments, including Revenue, Law and Information Technology, have contributed to the process,” he added.The Chief Minister also mentioned that senior IAS officers were consulted in drafting the final syllabus.“The final draft is now ready, and I assure this House that we will complete the process within a month,” he said.

 Addressing the query regarding the 2018 and 2019 batches of Junior JKAS officers, the Chief Minister clarified that existing operative rules do not provide for the declaration of Junior Scale JKAS officers as quasi-permanent. Instead, the confirmation of their probation is contingent upon passing the Departmental Examination, as mandated by the following service rules:Rule 22(1)(a) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956,Rule 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Service (Probation & Examination) Rules, 2000, Rule 16(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service Rules, 2008.As per Rule 16 of SRO 386, probationers must pass the Departmental Examination within two years of their appointment to be confirmed in service.

 However, the Chief Minister highlighted that the examination could not be conducted due to major administrative changes brought about by the Jammu and Kashmir Re-organization Act, 2019, which restructured the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.This reorganization necessitated a comprehensive revision of laws, statutes, and regulations, including those governing the Departmental Examination.“As a result, the syllabus had to be thoroughly revised to align with the new administrative framework and updated legal provisions introduced by the Re-organization Act,” he said. He further informed the House that Government Order No. 1514-JK(GAD) of 2023, dated 30.11.2023, had constituted a committee to finalize the syllabus for the JKAS Probationers’ Departmental Examination.

 “We are making every effort to expedite the finalization process. Once the syllabus is approved, steps will be taken immediately to conduct the examination. The confirmation of probation for these officers, which depends on successfully passing the examination, will be processed without delay in accordance with the relevant service rules,” the Chief Minister assured.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that a committee had been constituted to ensure the transparent distribution of assets, liabilities and budget between the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh following the reorganization.Responding to a query from Member Qaysar Jamshaid Lone regarding the apportionment of assets, liabilities and loans, the Chief Minister stated that the process is being carried out in accordance with Notification SO-339 of GAD, dated October 30, 2020.

 “The apportionment was to be conducted in a manner to ensure a fair transfer of assets, liabilities and budget between the two UTs. After completion of the process, an official gazette notification was issued on October 31, 2020,” he said.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, further informed that most of the committee’s recommendations have already been implemented.“Regarding the apportionment of public debt, financial liabilities amounting to ₹2,504.46 crore are to be transferred to the UT of Ladakh. The matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the administration of Ladakh,” he added.