Secretary Planning Development and Monitoring Department, Aijaz Asad, on Thursday visited Bandipora and chaired a mega public darbar at Sumbal to assess and address public grievances and demands. The public outreach programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman, Vice Chairperson District Development Council, Kousar Shafeeq, DDC members, ADDC, SDM Sumbal, ACD, Former BDC members, Former Panchayat representatives, prominent citizens, representatives of traders federation and other concerned besides general public.
On the occasion, DDC Vice Chairperson highlighted the demand of upgradation of Sumbal Bandipora road as Highway and By-Pass from Nusso to Putushay besides raising other issues of public concern. DDC members also put forth their demands including Railway connectivity to Bandipora, Women Degree College, J&K Branch at Nowgam, Play Grounds at panchayat level, rationalization of staff in education sector besides other issues of public importance.
Representatives of civil society highlighted the need of Gynecologist at CHC Hajin and augmentation of receiving station. Former BDC members and Panchayat representatives also put forth various issues concerning their respective areas. Former Chairman MC Hajin and former President MC Sumbal also raised various issues of public importance.
The Secretary listened to all the issues patiently and assured redressal of genuine grievances within the shortest possible time. He also redressed various issues on the spot and said that issues that need administrative intervention at a higher level will be taken up on priority with concerned Administrative Departments.
The Secretary, on the occasion, also reviewed implementation of various schemes and took feedback from DDC members, PRIs, civil society members, and the general public on this account. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary said that People are co-creators of good governance in collaboration with the administration. He highlighted the empowerment of local bodies by LG administration saying that public friendly administration is priority of present government.
He said J&K UT stands on top rank in E-services and is on the track of development and progress in all other sectors. Aijaz Asad also highlighted the tourism potential of Gurez Valley, Wullar Lake, and emphasized exploration of tourism potential, engaging unemployed youth in the tourism sector.
The Secretary stressed upon all stakeholders, including public representatives to join hands with administration in curbing drug menace. He said it is our moral responsibility to keep our younger generation away from drugs. He also appreciated the role played by PRIs during Viksit Bharat Sanklap Yatra.
While applauding the coordination of PRIs with Government, the Secretary said public representatives are bridge between the Government and public to implement schemes and programs at Grass root level. Aijaz Asad also inspected stalls installed by various departments and distributed various benefits and sanction letters among the beneficiaries.
Later, the Secretary inspected the ongoing works of the prestigious ring road project and also visited the Transit Accommodation at Odina. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner apprised the Aijaz Asad regarding the status of various development projects and schemes being implemented in the district.