Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday urged newly-appointed Junior Engineers (JEs) of the Public Works Department (PWD) to treat public funds as a sacred trust and ensure the creation of durable, high-quality infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a function at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) after distributing appointment orders to 132 Junior Engineer (Civil) recruits, the Chief Minister said the appointment letters carried the hopes and expectations of the people.
"Public money is a trust. It must be spent with utmost honesty and accountability," he said, stressing that infrastructure built with taxpayer funds should stand the test of time and serve future generations.
CM Omar called upon the engineers to ensure that roads, bridges, hospitals and other public assets reflect quality, integrity and professionalism. "If we build a hospital or a bridge, it should serve people for decades. Citizens do not expect freshly-laid roads to get damaged after a single spell of rain," he remarked.
Urging the recruits to discharge their duties with dedication and sincerity, he said public expectations remain constant regardless of who is in office. "We must perform our responsibilities with honesty, commitment and accountability," he added.
Describing the young engineers as key contributors to Jammu and Kashmir's future development, the Chief Minister said their work over the next three decades would shape the Union Territory's infrastructure landscape.
"You have three decades ahead of you. The future of Jammu and Kashmir will be defined by your work," he told the recruits.
The Chief Minister also advised the engineers against seeking transfers and encouraged them to serve wherever they are posted, including remote and far-flung areas.
"Government service cannot place everyone near their homes. Service in remote areas is equally important and valuable," he said.
Highlighting challenges in project execution, CM Omar referred to difficulties in road construction works caused by shortages of bitumen and other external factors. However, he stressed that such challenges should not deter officials from delivering quality services.
"We may not always have ideal conditions, but our commitment to public service must remain unwavering," he said.
Calling for a culture of excellence and quality workmanship, the Chief Minister urged the engineers to leave behind a lasting legacy through their work.
"Let every road, bridge and public building become a testimony to your professionalism, dedication and commitment to public service," he added.
Comments are closed.