Chief Secretary reviews development works in Budgam, assures economic transformation

Budgam, Aug 23: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited Budgam to take stock of progress on various ongoing developmental works and flagship schemes undertaken by different departments in the district.

He assured all possible help in uplifting the economy of Budgam through timely project completion, saturation of welfare schemes and effective implementation of developmental programmes, said an official statement.

Deputy Commissioner Budgam Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, presented sector-wise detailed report on the District Capex Budget 2024–25 and 2025–26, financial and physical progress on works, status of languishing projects and other flagship programmes.

The Chief Secretary stressed that all schemes whether Centrally Sponsored or UT Capex must be implemented in letter and spirit to yield real benefits for the people. He directed the concerned departments to achieve 100 percent coverage of all eligible beneficiaries so that no one is left out.

The CS instructed the officers to frequently undertake field inspections to assess the real-time status of schemes and projects. The Chief Secretary asked the Agriculture Department to enhance production of exotic crops and vegetables besides ensuring proper functioning of Kissan Khidmat Ghars(KKGs) and expanding the Kisan Credit Card coverage.

He asked the Sheep and Animal husbandry departments to boost mutton and poultry production. He also asked the horticulture department for providing proper guidance to the orchardist for maximum benefits.

The Chief Secretary directed the agriculture and allied departments for ensuring stronger coordination to reap maximum output under HADP. He asked the FCS&CA to strengthen the PDS distribution across the district.

The Employment Department was tasked with scaling up training programmes under Mumkin, Tejaswini and Mission YUVA. The GM DIC was directed to support the unemployed youth in establishing units.

The RDD was asked to expedite the completion of PMAY houses and enforce door-to-door waste segregation in coordination with PRIs. The Education authorities were told to rationalize the teaching staff and ensure functional toilets and drinking water facilities in schools.

While reviewing PMGSY, PWD and Jal Jeevan Mission works, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned to complete the projects within set deadlines.

Emphasizing tourism promotion, the Chief Secretary called for development of Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan and Yousmarg with proper sanitation, hutments, cafeterias and visitor amenities to enhance the tourist experience. He also stressed on convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes to provide sustainable employment and create durable rural assets.

Later, the Chief Secretary, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner, inspected three major infrastructure projects including 125-bedded District Hospital Budgam, 100-bedded Critical Care Unit at Reshipora and Transit accommodation for the Kashmiri Migrants at Kakanmaran Budgam. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite work and ensure timely completion.