Srinagar, June 12 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday visited several government offices in Srinagar, including the office of the Labour Commissioner and the Central Provident Fund Organisation (CPFO), to review public service delivery and speak directly with citizens and staff.
According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the Deputy CM said he came without any prior notice to see how the system was working on the ground and to interact with people who often face difficulties in getting their official work done. He said that both the Labour Department and CPFO office receive hundreds of visitors daily, many of whom travel long distances, wait for hours, and still return without proper resolution of their issues.
Choudhary said that if someone's documents are complete, they should not be made to visit the office again and again. “People come from far-off places, sit here from morning till evening, and still leave without a solution. This should not happen. The staff must guide them properly,” he said.
He also said that such delays damage the public's trust in the system and make the government look insensitive. “Whether a person has voted for us or not, we are in government now, and everyone is equal for us. It is our duty to work for all,” he added.
During his interaction with the media, Choudhary said that the current government in Jammu and Kashmir is one chosen by the people and not an appointed one. He said that elected governments should have the freedom to make decisions for the welfare of the people and that no one should try to stop that process.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“If someone thinks that they can stop elected representatives from doing their work through transfers or interference, then they are not harming a party — they are harming Indian democracy,” he said.
He also said that democracy in India came after great sacrifices, and it should not be disrespected. “If we do what the British used to do, then what is the difference between their rule and ours?” he said.
Speaking about his government’s future approach, Choudhary said they would continue to visit offices and interact with the public regularly. He also said that if they are not allowed to work for the people, they will not stay silent. “If needed, we will go to the streets and fight for the people’s rights. We were not elected to sit quietly,” he said.
Choudhary also praised Omar Abdullah, saying that his calm and mature leadership style is something J&K can benefit from. “Leaders like him are rare. We get angry sometimes, but he always remains composed. His services should be used in the interest of the people,” he said.
The Deputy CM ended his visit by assuring the public that the current administration is serious about improving services, and that such visits will continue. He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have voted for change, and the government will not let them down.(KNS)