Omar steered J&K out of troubled waters: Devender Singh Rana

Political Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Devender Singh Rana, today said Omar Abdullah steered the state out of troubled waters to peace and prosperity after the opposition PDP left it in a situation of uncertainty.

"It was the visionary stewardship of Omar Abdullah and the courageous efforts of National Conference-Congress coalition government which pulled the state out of the turbulence," he said in the Legislative Council.

Participating in the discussion on the annual budget, he said, "The year 2011 was a year of peace, calm and economic resurgence."

He said 13 lakh tourists visited the Valley and one crore pilgrims went to Vaishno Devi generating economic avenues.

Rana also complimented Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather for formulating the "best ever" budget despite challenges and difficult circumstances.

He accused the PDP of playing with words when it had promised a zero deficit budget during its regime, and of delaying the 6th pay commission for political gains. "It was the Omar Abdullah government which finally implemented the pay commission," he said.

He emphasised the need for introducing effective measures to transfer technology from lab to land to ensure better yields and higher profits for farmers.

Rana highlighted the need for revamping the PSU sector and suggested third party monitoring and involvement of expert consultancy in this regard.

He said special purpose vehicles were necessary for inclusive and holistic development of backward pockets and wanted the finance department to earmark special funds for these areas.