Wishing him well in the challenging assignment as the Jammu and Kashmir [Images] chief minister, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] 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.

• Azad's toughest challenge

"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.

• Azad's resignation accepted

"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.

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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.