Baramulla/May,3: Chief Secretary, B .B. Vyas Wednesday visited the District Hqrs of Baramulla and Kupwara and held extensive interaction with the officers of the two districts.
Director General of Police, S.P.Vaid, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Baseer Ahmad Khan, IGP, Kashmir, S.J.M Gillani, DIG NKR, Nitish Kumar and other senior officers accompanied the Chief Secretary.
Chief Secretary reviewed in detail the progress of important developmental projects in various sectors and implementation of welfare schemes besides availability of essential commodities and services in these districts. Among other issues reviewed were macdamization /black topping of roads, implementation of District Annual Plan, District Credit Plan, PHE Schemes, construction of Hospitals, bridges, double cropping, supply of solar lights, up-gradation of schools and issues related to Government Degree College Sogam for which Chief Secretary instructed the concerned officers to furnish the report of completion to his office by 31stJuly 2017 without fail.
Observing that the two districts invariably have a limited working season, Chief Secretary stressed upon prioritization of works in each sector for their completion within the fixed timeline. He underscored the need and significance for enhanced synergy and convergence between the activities of various departments for tangible results. Chief Secretary reviewed the status of implementation of the various commitments of the Chief Minister and directed the concerned officers for their immediate implementation.
Chief Secretary called upon the respective Deputy Commissioners to identify sector specific potential of an area(s) and accordingly draw up a plan for a project for the benefit of the local populace. He particularly referred to the rich potential of various areas in the agriculture and allied sectors especially in regard to high density horticulture plantations, backyard poultry, sheep farming, fisheries and other agri- products and activities. He also instructed the Deputy Commissioners to draw up a suitable Skill Development Plan including that under the Border Area Development Program (BADP). Chief Secretary also reviewed the progress of ongoing dredging work in the Baramulla stretch of river Jhelum. On this occasion, Chief Secretary issued a slew of directions for removing bottlenecks in timely completion of various works /projects under execution.
To infuse accountability and responsiveness in administration, Chief Secretary stressed on mass outreach by organizing regular interactions with people for redressal of their grievances. He emphasized on adhering to the timelines fixed for replying to the queries of the citizens under the Right to Information Act (RTI) and delivery of services under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA). He impressed upon the district administration for maintaining cordial relations with the employees, ensuring punctuality of staff in all the offices in the districts and cautioned the officers against complacency and administrative inefficiency that has a tendency to develop corruption. He directed the officers to ensure a transparent and people friendly administration.
Chief Secretary paid a surprise visit to Upper Primary School Medhanpora, Dragmulla and interacted with the school children. He took stock of the mid-day meals being served to the children. On the occasion, Chief Secretary stressed on the district administration and the School Education Department to ensure that quality meals are prepared and served to the school children as per the guidelines of the scheme.
