NC govt completes first year in office amid unkept promises, policy hurdles

As the National Conference (NC) government completes one year in office on Thursday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah continues to grapple with major challenges, including the restoration of statehood and managing the dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir.

In its manifesto, the NC had pledged to work towards the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35-A, which were abrogated in August 2019 when the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh. The party had also promised to push for full implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the J&K Assembly in 2000.

Despite the slow pace of progress on these key promises, NC leaders maintain that the party has been given a five-year mandate and that all manifesto commitments will be fulfilled during this tenure.

While most of these issues are political and constitutional—requiring intervention from the Central government or the Supreme Court—local concerns such as rising unemployment and the lack of basic amenities in remote areas continue to pose serious challenges. Recruitment processes remain delayed and are often marred by controversy, further worsening the unemployment crisis.

Adding to the government’s woes is internal criticism, most notably from senior NC leader and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi. Ruhullah has openly criticised the policies of the J&K government and even staged a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Srinagar, opposing the reservation policy that has become a thorn in the side of the government, testing its patience and political acumen.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the NC has been given a full five-year mandate and that all promises made in the manifesto would be fulfilled during that period. Hinting at administrative hurdles, Choudhary revealed that the file on business rules is still pending with the Lieutenant Governor.

“Whether promises have been fulfilled or not should be asked of parties like the PDP and BJP, who ruled before us. When you ask me what has been achieved in the past few months, I think you’re asking the wrong question. We’ve been given five years, and results will take time,” he said.

Another issue that continues to draw criticism from the opposition is the Public Safety Act (PSA). The NC had promised to repeal the PSA in its manifesto. However, the recent detention of AAP MLA Mehraj Malik under the same Act has sparked fresh controversy.

On the other hand, the government did fulfil its promise to pass a resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to revoke the region’s special status and statehood. The resolution was moved by Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary in the Assembly in November, shortly after Omar Abdullah assumed office.

Minister for Health & Education, Sakina Itoo, said the government is steadily working toward public welfare. “I won’t say everything has been achieved, as one year is a short period of time. But we have succeeded in bringing accountability across departments. Colleges that were non-functional have been revived, and recruitment has been conducted in institutions facing staff shortages,” she said.