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J-K CM talks of democracy frills
WSN Network

SRINAGAR: A state afflicted with terrorism but having a dalliance with democracy has to try many strategies to project itself as a people's friendly establishment. No wonder, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah is trying all the frills. So there is talk of a call centre, an Omar Abdullah blog, a legislation to strengthen the Right to Information Act in the state and a directive to his Cabinet to disclose their assets.

While the Abdullahs will be loathe to talk about the numbers of troops in Kashmir or the larger solutions based approach to the Kashmir issue, they know well that such frills make for good media and there are journalists out there who will lap up the story as a great leap into transparency era.

“I want every member of my government to disclose their assets every year. I will start with myself,” the Indian Express quoted him as saying recelty. So there will be a call-centre where 20 executives will handle calls and complaints from the public. Had he wanted some tips from Punajb CM Parkash Singh Badal, Omar would have announced some Sangat Darshan style jambooree too.

Abdullah will also take to blogging to get his message across. A new and exclusive website of the CM will talk of the government’s policies and plans. “I want to be in touch with people. I would make sure that I see every comment, every complaint myself. I will write a blog on the website as well.”

4 February 2009

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