SRINAGAR, Sept 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday distributed appointment orders to 55 candidates selected through the Combined Competitive Examination for induction into the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) and J&K Accounts (Gazetted) Service.
The newly appointed officers include 28 Junior Scale JKAS officers and 27 Accounts Officers of the J&K Accounts (Gazetted) Service. The appointment ceremony was held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here.
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 officials, the newly appointed officers and their parents attended the function.
Congratulating the officers and their families, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the hard work, perseverance and sacrifices that had gone into their selection.
He told the newly appointed officers that receiving their appointment orders marked not the destination but the beginning of a much larger journey in public service.
“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 them to build their careers on competence, honesty and hard work.
The Chief Minister said public servants were remembered not merely for the positions they occupied but for the difference they made in people's lives. He urged the officers to uphold integrity and ensure that their conduct earned the respect of the people they served.
Referring to government files, applications and complaints, Omar said every such matter represented the story of a person. While every grievance may not necessarily be justified, he said there was a reason behind every complaint and officers must have the sensitivity and willingness to understand people's problems and work towards resolving them.
He advised the officers to look beyond postings and promotions and recognise the opportunity and responsibility that came with being part of 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.
The Chief Minister also urged the young officers to prepare for the challenges Jammu and Kashmir could face over the coming decades, including improving education, making cities cleaner and more liveable, addressing climate change and adapting to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
He said the nature of governance and societal challenges could change significantly over the next 10 to 20 years and called upon the officers to remain adaptable, innovative and committed to public service.
Omar Abdullah assured the officers that the Government would provide all possible support to help them 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 officers would live up to the expectations of their parents, families and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Wishing them success, Omar urged the newly appointed officers to always choose the right path, even when doing so was difficult.
“Make the right decision and serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister said.
