Srinagar, Dec 31 (KNO): Defending the right of ministers to appoint their staff, Member Parliament Choudhary Ramzan on Wednesday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir will soon receive “good news” concerning the empowerment of the government.
Speaking to reporters in Kupwara, MP Ramzan, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that measures are being taken to ensure better redressal mechanisms for public issues through stronger governance. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir will shortly get good news with regard to empowerment of the government, which will help in resolving issues faced by common citizens,” he said.
Referring to reports of assault on Kashmiri residents outside the Valley, Ramzan termed the incidents “grave” and said that he has taken up the matter with concerned authorities. “I came to know through sources about fresh incidents at Hamirpur and Bilaspur where Kashmiri residents were allegedly assaulted. The issue has been taken up with the concerned authorities for necessary action,” he added.
Responding to criticism over the appointment of Officers on Special Duty (OSDs), the MP defended the move, stating that ministers, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker have the right to appoint their personal staff.
He said the practice has existed in the past as well. "The opposition has nothing to sell. These posts are purely temporary — they remain valid only until the government’s tenure lasts. Do we need to issue an advertisement for a single post just to reject thousands of applications"?—(KNO)