SRINAGAR: Aimed to oversee and expedite ongoing urban developmental works, Commissioner Secretary Government Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Mandeep Kaur, today conducted a comprehensive on-ground inspection of various urban projects being executed across Srinagar city. She was accompanied by Commissioner SMC, Dr Owais Ahmad, along with senior officials from SMC and other line departments.
The Commissioner Secretary visited key sites that are focal point for Srinagar's urban beautification and infrastructure development. The sites included Tulsi Bagh, Rambagh, Karanagar, Qamarwari and Nallahmar Road in Downtown Srinagar.
The primary objective of this extensive visit was to assess the progress on multiple ongoing projects aimed at transforming Srinagar into a more sustainable, environmentally friendly and visually appealing city. The review focused on aspects such as urban beautification, environmental sustainability, infrastructure improvements and public amenities.
Throughout the tour, the Commissioner Secretary actively interacted with the project teams, enquiring about the current status, challenges faced and expected completion timelines. Her hands-on approach reflects commitment in ensuring that developmental works are executed efficiently and effectively. During the visit to Karanagar, she planted a sapling while emphasising the importance of green spaces within the urban settings.
Mandeep Kaur emphasized the critical need for timely project completion, urging the agencies to work in a coordinated manner to avoid delays. She highlighted the importance of fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration and stressed increased community participation to ensure that development projects are aligned with the needs and aspirations of local residents. This participatory approach, she stressed, is essential for sustainable growth of Srinagar. The officials expressed their commitment in addressing bottlenecks and accelerating project timelines to realize the vision of a modern, eco-friendly Srinagar.
ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today conducted surprise inspection of Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College (GDC) Boys Anantnag and assessed the functioning, infrastructure and academic environment of the institution. During the visit, Education Minister took detailed round of the college campus, inspecting classrooms, laboratories, and other key facilities. She also interacted with the Principal, faculty members and other administrative staff of the college.
During the interaction, Sakeena Itoo highlighted that GDC Boys Anantnag is one of the old and important educational institutions of South Kashmir and therefore no compromise should be made on the quality of education being imparted here. “Educational institutions like this college is backbone of our youth’s future. It is imperative upon us that students have best possible academic environment to nurture their talent,” she stated. During the visit, Minister also interacted with students and took first-hand appraisal from them about quality of education being imparted in college.
SRINAGAR: Minister for Social Welfare, Education and Health & Medical, Sakeena Itoo chaired the 45th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backward Classes (JKSCSTBC) Development Corporation at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Tribal Affairs department, Prassanna Ramaswamy; Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring department, Talat Parvez Rohella; DG, Development Expenditure, Sajad Hussain Ganie; MD JKSCSTBC, Ranjeet Singh; representatives of National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and other concerned officers, either in person or through video conferencing.
During the Board meeting, Minister Sakeena, who is also Chairman of the BoDs, minutely assessed the Corporation’s progress in promoting social and economic upliftment of the SC, ST, BC and Specially abled communities across Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized on the need to enhance outreach programs, streamline the loan disbursal process and ensure transparent implementation of welfare schemes.
Underlining the importance of inclusive growth, Minister Sakeena called for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders to empower marginalized sections through skill development, financial assistance and entrepreneurship support. The Minister further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards driving equitable development and reiterated that proactive governance, community engagement and sustained financial inclusion remain central to Omar Abdullah led Government.
During the meeting, the BoDs took some significant decisions for improving the Corporation’s efficiency for divulging services to remote and underserved areas, including the introduction of digital platforms for beneficiary support and real-time monitoring of schemes.
In a landmark decision, the Board extended the benefits of Direct Financing scheme (DFS) and Education loan scheme (ELS) of corporation to Pahari Ethnic Group, including Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin communities.
The BoDs also allowed the Corporation to fill up some urgently required positions on outsourcing basis in consultation with Finance department by following proper procedure laid down by Government.
The Board also approved the draft Annual Accounts of Financial year 2023-24 for onward submission to Statutory Auditor/CAG, besides Budget Estimates for the F.Y 2025-26 and Actuals for F.Y 2024-25 were also approved by the Board. During the meeting, the BoDs also took some significant decisions in the interest of human resource welfare of the corporation.
SRINAGAR: A delegation of Anjuman Sharie Shian J&K led by Shri Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today. The members of the delegation put forth important matters pertaining to the smooth conduct of Muharram, including the procession of Youm-e-Ashoora. The Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate action will be taken to address the issues projected by them.
PAHALGAM: Aimed at addressing the concerns of the local transport community, a delegation of taxi owners from Pahalgam today met with Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport and Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma here today. The meeting focussed on long standing issues affecting the taxi operators in the popular tourist destination.
During the interaction, the taxi operators submitted a comprehensive charter of demands, highlighting the key challenges faced by the sector. These included inadequate road infrastructure, limited access to seasonal transportation permits, issues related to route rationalization, the need for improved parking facilities and streamlining of regulatory compliances.
The delegation emphasized that taxi services play a crucial role in Pahalgam’s tourism-driven economy. They called for greater support from the government to ensure smooth and efficient operations, especially during the peak tourist season. The Minister acknowledged the vital role of taxi operators in facilitating tourism and local livelihoods. “The concerns raised by the taxi owners are legitimate and deserve immediate attention. We are committed towards strengthening the transport ecosystem in tourist areas like Pahalgam, which are vital to the region’s economy,” he stated.
The Minister assured the delegation that their demands would be forwarded to the concerned departments for action in a time-bound manner. He also expressed readiness to hold follow-up meetings to monitor progress on the issues raised. As part of his visit, the Minister also held a detailed review meeting with the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Anantnag and other senior officials.
The meeting focused on improving service delivery mechanisms for driving tests and vehicle fitness inspections. The Minister directed the ARTO to explore the feasibility of conducting such services locally to minimize travel and delays for the residents and commercial vehicle owners.
“The aim is to bring services closer to the people, ensure transparency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles,” the Minister added. He further emphasized the importance of strengthening the digital services and integrating transport facilities with broader IT initiatives under the Digital India mission. The Minister also interacted with the tourists from various states including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, who are visiting Pahalgam. He enquired about their experience and assured them of all requisite facilities, safety and support from the administration.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards promoting Pahalgam as a safe, accessible, and tourist-friendly destination. Satish sharma also visited Gauri Shankar Mandir Pahalgam and prayed for welfare of all citizens of the UT and country as well. He also prayed for eternal peace to the martyrs who have rendered supreme sacrifices for safeguarding the nation.
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