J&K cabinet meets, approves 22 agenda items Clears R&B promotions, approves Animal Protection Board

Daily-wagers issue discussed; CS asked to file report

Srinagar, Dec 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, met at the CM’s residence in Jammu on Wednesday and approved several major administrative decisions, including long-pending promotions in the Roads and Buildings Department and the establishment of an Animal Protection Board.

Officials familiar with the meeting stated that the Cabinet deliberated on 22 agenda items, covering reservation policy, service matters, winter preparedness, power sector issues and reforms in cooperative institutions.

According to sources, the Cabinet gave its nod to seniority confirmation and career-progression cases of various R&B officer cadres after detailed scrutiny. It also cleared financial support for cooperative societies connected to the livelihoods of pawns and anglers—an intervention described as vital for reviving these traditional community groups.

The Cabinet further approved the creation of an Animal Protection Board, a move officials said would modernise livestock regulatory mechanisms and strengthen animal welfare frameworks across the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that the reservation policy file was discussed “in detail,” but said the final decision would be revealed only after the minutes are completed and submitted to the Lieutenant Governor.

He said the government had tried to “rationalise” the reservation framework while ensuring no community or category was disadvantaged.
“The subject requires deliberate handling because it routinely triggers strong political reactions from multiple sides,” Omar said. “Earlier, people questioned the government’s silence; now, even before any decision is final, others have started warning of protests.”

The meeting also reviewed proposals including the construction of a new Kashmir House in Dwarka, service matters of chief engineers, and several items pertaining to the revitalisation of cooperative societies.

Cabinet Minister Javed Rana told reporters that several long-pending files had been cleared.
“The main agenda today involved promotions and seniority confirmation of R&B officers,” he said, adding that funds were approved for cooperative societies supporting pawns and anglers. He said the creation of the Animal Protection Board would help strengthen livestock governance in the UT.

Rana said the situation of daily-wagers across departments was also flagged for urgent review. “The Chief Secretary has been asked to submit a consolidated report at the earliest. The government has a responsibility toward them and justice must be ensured,” he added.

The meeting concluded with instructions to all departments to speed up pending submissions and ensure immediate implementation of decisions taken by the Cabinet.

Pertinent to mention, Omar Abdullah-led administration, sworn in on October 16, 2024, has held multiple Cabinet sessions since taking charge. Its early meetings focused on reservation, employment and administrative rectification.

Earlier this year, the Cabinet also convened a symbolic session in Pahalgam, the first such meeting held outside the twin capitals in the current government’s tenure.