NOC not required to bring in relief material to state: Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government had decided to allow self-certification by groups, organisations or persons that relief material being brought in by them for the flood-hit state would not be sold in the market.

The state government's decision came in the wake of criticism over its earlier order which entailed seeking a 'no objection certificate (NOC)' from the state's resident commissioner in Delhi or the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner for bringing in relief material.

"Noting problems faced with genuine relief (material), this order has been modified to allow for self-certification by groups/organisations/individuals bringing in relief material," Omar wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

The Chief Minister said while there was possibility of this provision being misused, the government has allowed it in the larger interest of the people affected by the floods.

"While this provision may also be misused by some, in the larger good I felt it absolutely critical to remove this bottleneck as soon as possible," he added.

Justifying the earlier directive, Omar said the "order regarding relief NOC was intended to check unscrupulous traders bringing in regular supplies in guise of relief for sale in markets... Unfortunately, some cases were brought to light prompting the Finance Minister to issue this order".