Srinagar: Amid reports of growing differences and internal tensions within the National Conference (NC), party president Dr Farooq Abdullah has initiated a new move aimed at strengthening coordination between the party legislators and the Omar Abdullah-led government.
In a communication addressed to party legislators, Farooq Abdullah has proposed the formation of informal advisory groups of MLAs to be attached to each member of the Council of Ministers, with the objective of establishing a stronger communication channel between the party and the government.
According to the communication, the decision was taken during a recent meeting with some party legislators, where it was agreed that these advisory groups would act as a bridge between the party organisation and the government.
Under the proposed arrangement, ministers will be asked to hold regular meetings with their respective advisory groups and keep the legislators informed about major policy initiatives, decisions and the progress of work being undertaken by their departments.
The move is being seen as an attempt to improve coordination within the party, ensure greater involvement of elected representatives in governance and address concerns regarding communication between the party leadership, legislators and the government.
Farooq Abdullah has also clarified that each legislator can be part of two advisory groups. To facilitate the formation of these groups, party legislators have been asked to submit the names of three ministers in order of preference, so that, as far as possible, they can be associated with ministers of their choice.
The lists of advisory groups will be prepared and formally notified after all legislators submit their preferences.
The party president has asked the legislators to complete the exercise within a maximum period of two weeks.
The development comes at a time when reports of differences and dissatisfaction within the National Conference have brought the issue of internal coordination and communication into focus. The proposed mechanism could provide party MLAs with a more structured platform to remain involved in departmental functioning and communicate their concerns and suggestions to the ministers.
It remains to be seen how effectively these advisory groups will function and whether the new arrangement will help bridge the perceived gap between the party organisation and the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
