Jammu, Nov 19 (Reporter) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the Estates and Hospitality & Protocol Departments here at separate meetings. Chairing a review meeting of the Estates Department, he asked the officials to make a comprehensive assessment of facilities required for the next 15 years, emphasising the need to transition from a rental-based system to a sustainable infrastructure model. Calling rentals “a constant drain,” he proposed shifting focus towards construction projects and suggested short-term hiring as an interim measure. The Chief Minister highlighted inefficiencies in the current system and stressed the importance of addressing structural and operational gaps. ACS Estates Department gave a detailed presentation of the functioning and assets of Estates Department in Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Estates Department to prepare assets and occupancy lists for properties in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, to put in place a proper mechanism for allotments as per entitlement. He called for the establishment of consolidated allotment rules to ensure transparency and accountability in allotting accommodations. The Chief Minister also gave directions for assessment of dilapidated properties, seeking a comprehensive report on their current state and proposals for renovation or repurposing. On modernising the Civil Secretariat infrastructure, Abdullah stressed the need for enhanced weatherproofing to make Srinagar offices more winter-friendly and Jammu offices more summer-friendly. To improve financial management, he instructed officials to study penal rent policies in other states to implement a fair and effective system. The Chief Minister urged prioritising suitable lodging arrangements for MLAs, particularly during assembly sessions in January or February. The meeting reviewed ongoing projects, including the construction of flats at Sarwal, Ahata Amar Singh and Lower Muthi in Jammu division, as well as 400 flats at Pampore and new flats at Jawahar Nagar in Kashmir division. Officials informed that these projects are nearing completion and are expected to alleviate the growing demand for residential accommodations. The Estates Department’s CAPEX Budget for 2024-25 was also discussed and the meeting was informed that 68.7 percent expenditure has been made in respect of the current year’s budget. Abdullah advocated a one-time investment approach to develop assets that can be monetised in the future, while also reassessing commercial property rentals at current market rates and upgrading electrical infrastructure in both Jammu and Srinagar secretariats. The meeting concluded with discussions on proposed projects, including a Gate Plaza at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar and other developmental initiatives in Jammu. Abdullah reiterated the importance of holistic planning to address residential and office accommodation shortages while ensuring judicious use of public funds. “This reform-focused approach marks a pivotal step toward creating a self-reliant Estates Department capable of meeting the government’s evolving needs over the next decade and beyond,” he remarked. In a separate meeting, Abdullah called on the Hospitality & Protocol Department to focus on the optimal utilisation, upgradation, and renovation of departmental assets both inside and outside Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Rashmi Singh gave a detailed presentation on the department’s assets, including those located outside Jammu and Kashmir, such as properties in Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Mumbai. The Chief Minister reviewed the functioning and status of prominent properties, including those in Chanakyapuri, 5-Prithvi Raj Road and Rajaji Marg in Delhi, emphasising the need to fully utilise these assets and upgrade facilities to enhance their utility. Abdullah also directed focused efforts on properties at Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Jammu, ensuring these are used efficiently and maintained to high standards. Discussions during the meeting covered revenue realisation, rate revision, and face-lifting of prized properties, particularly the one at 5-Prithvi Raj Road in New Delhi. The Chief Minister called for the creation of new assets at strategic locations within and outside J&K to meet future needs and generate additional revenue. Abdullah also directed immediate renovation and upgradation of the Banquet Hall in Srinagar, including improvements to the audio system, furniture, bathrooms and other amenities. He stressed the importance of fire safety measures and fire audits in properties especially heritage sites where invaluable items are stored, ensuring these assets are protected against potential risks. The meeting also addressed the augmentation of existing assets, strengthening manpower to fill up various categories of posts and revisiting recruitment rules to improve the efficiency and operational capabilities of the department. The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of maximising the potential of H&P assets while ensuring their upkeep and modernisation to reflect the government’s commitment to efficiency and resourcefulness...////...