Say no to delay in development!
jj correspondent
Samba, Dec 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to impartial governance, emphasizing that decisions would not be swayed by political affiliations or party lines. He called upon officers to address public issues raised by elected representatives with diligence and urgency, underlining the importance of responsive and transparent governance.
Chairing a district review meeting at the Conference Hall in Samba, the Chief Minister was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma. The meeting also saw the participation of the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson Samba, and Members of Legislative Assembly SS Slathia (Samba), Chander Prakash Ganga (Vijaypur), and Devinder Kumar Manyal (Ramgarh). Senior administrative officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries, departmental heads, and other officers, were also in attendance.
Highlighting the necessity of unbiased decision-making, the Chief Minister stressed, “I urge all officers to address public issues raised by MLAs with seriousness and urgency. These MLAs are the elected representatives of the people, and it is natural for citizens to expect solutions through them. Governance should never be influenced by political affiliations. Decisions must be based on the merit of a project or issue and its potential to benefit the public. If it serves the people, it must be prioritized and implemented without delay.”
Addressing delayed development: The Chief Minister acknowledged challenges faced by the administration this year, attributing delays in developmental activities to the prolonged Parliamentary elections and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
He remarked, “The extended election period slowed progress, and in areas where the working season coincided with the elections, projects faced further setbacks. However, we must now expedite developmental activities to compensate for lost time.”
Calling for urgency in executing projects, he stated, “Accelerate the pace of work and ensure that it is implemented effectively at the grassroots level. Our focus must be on quality execution and timely completion.”
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) to the central government for seamless financial support. He noted, “One of the recurring complaints from the central government is the delayed submission of UCs. This not only hampers fund flow but also reflects poorly on our efficiency. Prompt submission will ensure the continuity of financial aid and optimal resource utilization.”
Responding to rising public expectations: Omar Abdullah highlighted the growing public expectations following the return of MLAs post-2018. He said, “With MLAs back in the field, public demands have increased significantly. This necessitates a coordinated and proactive approach to address these concerns effectively.”
Specific issues raised during the meeting included progress on industrial estates, the installation of smart meters, and delays in critical infrastructure projects. He directed officials to review and resolve these issues promptly, ensuring tangible outcomes.
Tackling drug addiction and border security: Addressing the pressing issue of drug addiction, the Chief Minister called for a coordinated effort to curb the menace, noting its rise over the past decade.
He stated, “Despite securing international borders, drug inflow persists from other areas, posing a serious threat to our society. Tackling this problem at its source is essential for the well-being of our state.”
The Chief Minister assured prompt action, noting that the Deputy Chief Minister had already instructed the District Commissioner and relevant officers to prioritize this issue.
Focusing on infrastructure and staffing: Delays in the Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway project were also discussed, with the Chief Minister urging officials to address land acquisition and other bottlenecks to keep the project on schedule.
He expressed concern over staffing shortages in hospitals and schools, citing the practice of staff attachments as a key reason. He directed officers to submit detailed reports on such cases so that appropriate measures could be taken to fill vacant posts, particularly in rural areas.
Public outreach and grievance redressal: The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of addressing public grievances raised by DDC members, MLAs, and civil society during outreach programs. Issues such as drinking water supply, sanitation, regularization of daily wagers, upgradation of schools, and the establishment of colleges in remote areas were among the key concerns raised during the meeting.
Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, presented a comprehensive profile of the district, highlighting achievements and outlining targets across various departments, including Jal Shakti, Public Works, Power Development, Education, Health, Agriculture, and Social Welfare.
Inaugurating key projects: The Chief Minister e-inaugurated three key projects and laid the e-foundation stone for another significant initiative aimed at enhancing public welfare and regional development.
Following the review meeting, he conducted a redressal camp, where local residents, industrial representatives, and delegations from remote areas submitted their grievances. The Chief Minister assured them of prompt resolution of genuine concerns.
Focusing on roadmap ahead: Omar Abdullah praised the district’s overall performance despite challenges and expressed confidence in continued cooperation and progress. He encouraged MLAs and stakeholders to submit priority projects for inclusion in upcoming budget proposals, ensuring better planning and execution in the next fiscal year.
“Together, with determination and focus, we can meet public expectations and drive Jammu and Kashmir towards greater development,” the Chief Minister said.
