Wishing him well in the challenging assignment as the Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday assured Ghulam Nabi Azad of centre's continued support to all the initiatives that will be taken under his stewardship in the state.
"Although there is a tinge of sadness on your departure from the Union cabinet, you are going to be missed here, and there is also a sense of joy that you are taking on a challenging assignment as the chief minister of J&K," Singh said in a letter to Azad.
Singh said he had received Azad's letter on October 31, tendering his resignation from the Union cabinet.
"I am sure you will be able to leave your imprint on the state. I wish you well in your future efforts and assure you of the continued support of the Union government to all initiatives that will be taken in J&K under your command," Singh said.
The prime minister also made a special mention of the Azad's contributions in the government.
"You have been a valued colleague in the cabinet and your contributions towards the work of your department and to the work of the government as a whole are indeed commendable," he said.
The policy initiatives launched in the urban development sphere, including ground work done for the launch of the Urban Renewable Mission, would leave a lasting impact on the urban landscape, he added.
Singh said, as the parliamentary affairs minister, Azad had contributed greatly to the smooth and successful conduct of government business in Parliament and ensured excellent coordination with all concerned.