Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, emphasized the importance of bridging communication gaps among the officers and the departments to resolve public issues effectively. The Principal Secretary, while addressing a public outreach programme in Handwara, Kupwara of Kupwara district, said that a strong coordination among all stakeholders is key towards achieving the goal of empowering every single individual of the Union Territory socially, economicall and politically.
Interacting with a diverse group of delegations, individuals and representatives of various associations, Suresh Gupta maintained that inadequate information flow often creates communication barriers, hindering the resolution of community issues. These public darbars provide an apt platform for the citizens to voice their concerns and seek prompt redressal, he added.
Key issues raised by the public and the delegations included concerns about drinking water supply, drainage and sanitation, challenges faced by the tribal population, need for enhanced power infrastructure, road widening, improved connectivity, internet connectivity, need for embankments on nallas and streams and establishment of new industries in the district.
The Principal Secretary assured all the attendees that their genuine issues and concerns would be prioritized for an early redressal. He specifically mentioned that issues related to Jal Jeevan Mission would be taken into account for expedited resolution.
Suresh Gupta encouraged the public to avail benefit of both the Central and J&K Government schemes, urging officers to ensure that information about these schemes reaches the deserving populations effectively. Present on the occasion were Chairman DDC Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, Director of Libraries Mohammad Rafi, ADC Handwara Aziz Ahmad and other concerned officers and officials.
On the occasion, the Principal Secretary e-inaugurated two significant projects including "construction of a footbridge at Putwari Nallah in Dangerwari block Magam under MGNREGA and construction of an Anganwadi center at Cachri B in Khanoo Babagund.