'I don't believe in media censorship': J&K CM Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that he does not believe in media censorship or using govt advertisements to influence coverage.

“I have never asked any media house not to write against me or in my favour. I will never use advertisements as a pressure point,” Omar told the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Jammu during the passage of the finance grants.

“I have never called a newspaper to question what it has written about me. I am not among those who use advertisements to exert pressure,” he added.

However, Omar said the govt would rationalise advertisement policy to ensure greater transparency. He said advertisement allocation should be based on objective criteria like circulation, readership and reach. “Several members mentioned newspapers that many of us have not even seen. But they receive advertisements. It raises questions about how advertisements are being allocated and who takes those decisions,” he said, adding that circulation and audience reach of newspapers and channels should form the basis for advertisement distribution.

On vacancies and employment, Omar said there is a distinction between creation of posts and appointments. “We have filled around 6,000-6,500 posts,” he said, reiterating that govt would work to fill around 30,000 vacant posts this year through transparent and time-bound recruitment processes in coordination with the Service Selection Board and Public Service Commission. He also referred to outsourcing engagements, describing them as additional opportunities, though not counted as formal jobs. “At least they are earning a living,” he added.

Stating tat Jammu and Kashmir has financial constraints, Omar said tax and non-tax revenues cover only about 25% of expenditure, while 75% comes through central share and assistance.

“This is not a situation created today, it has been inherited,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to improve financial self-reliance.

Omar emphasised that climate response is now a compulsion for J&K, especially after the impacts of drought and heavy rains last year. He said a fund for climate change mitigation has been prepared, and stressed the need to assign departmental responsibility for studying and addressing climate change impact before undertaking further budgetary measures.

About tourism, he said govt successfully revived the industry despite the difficult circumstances following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. “Today, Gulmarg hotels are full. Sonamarg hotels are full,” he said, adding that several destinations have been reopened with the intervention of the Centre. He expressed hope that by May all destinations still closed would be reopened.



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