JKAS departmental exams to be held soon
*Tourism key pillar of UT’s economy
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said Rs 2504.46 crore worth financial liabilities are to be transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh and the issue has been taken up with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Ladakh administration.
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The Chief Minister gave this information in the Legislative Assembly in response to a written question of National Conference MLA Qaysar Jamshaid Lone.
“The financial liabilities amounting to more than Rs 2,500 crore will be transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh in accordance with the apportionment of assets and liabilities following the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The apportionment of assets and liabilities is to be carried out as per the notification issued by the General Administration Department in October 2020.
Omar said most of recommendations have been implemented. The issue of financial liabilities to be transferred to Ladakh has been taken up with the MHA and the administration of Ladakh, he added.
The Central Government had on August 5, 2019 bifurcated erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into two UTs of J&K and Ladakh and abrogated Article 370 granting special status to erstwhile State.
In response to another question of NC MLA Aijaz Jan followed by supplementaries, the Chief Minister said finalization of syllabus for 2018-24 of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services departmental examinations is in its final stages and the exams will be conducted immediately thereafter. Acknowledging delays, he said the process is now nearing completion.
Asserting that this is the first syllabus revision after nearly 25 years which required significant changes, Omar said the administration conducted comparative analysis of J&K’s syllabus with those of other States and UTs to ensure alignment with national standards. He said necessary modifications have been incorporated and relevant departments including Revenue, Law and IT have contributed to the process.
“Senior IAS officers were also consulted in drafting final syllabus. Final draft is now ready and we will complete the process within a month,” he announced.
Regarding 2018 and 2019 batch of junior JKAS officers, the Chief Minister clarified that existing operative rules don’t provide for declaration of Junior Scale JKAS officers as quasi-permanent.
In response to another question of NC MLA and former Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, Omar, who also holds charge of the Finance Department, said that Jammu and Kashmir received more than 2.35 crore tourists in 2024 as against 2.11 crore the previous year with the Government prioritizing the promotion of religious and tourism places in Srinagar.
He emphasized that tourism is a key pillar of J&K’s economy, significantly generating employment and contributing to the Gross State Domestic Product.
“The 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 House.
In 2022, a total of 1,88,84,317 Tourists had visited J&K.
“The Government is focusing on promoting religious and tourism places in Srinagar to enhance tourism. Places like Dal Lake, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Garden, Chashmashahi, Pari Mahal, shrines, temples, gurdwaras, and other landmarks define the uniqueness of Srinagar. We are committed to promoting these destinations,” he said.
Emphasizing that tourism is a key pillar of J&K’s economy, he said the sector provides direct and indirect livelihood opportunities, including for hotel staff, tour operators, taxi drivers, souvenir vendors, and local youth.
He further informed the House that efforts are underway to promote 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 aims to attract a wider range of visitors to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Omar said that the Government is actively promoting J&K’s top tourist destinations through advertising campaigns on national and international platforms.
The Tourism Department is focusing on developing off-beat destinations to expand tourism beyond traditional spots, he added.
“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 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 and 549 completed; in 2023-24, 1,191 projects were undertaken and 516 completed; and in 2024-25 (till date), 1,914 projects have been started and 1,057 completed, he added.
“Our focus remains on strengthening tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experience, and ensuring sustained growth in the sector,” Omar said.
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