Chief Secretary stresses on employment generation in Pulwama

Pulwama, Nov 4: Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta Saturday stressed on employment generation in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the chief secretary conducted a thorough review of the ongoing developmental projects and flagship initiatives taken up under different sectors in Pulwama District.

The primary focus of the meeting was to assess the progress of various schemes and development projects in the district.

The review meeting was preceded by the inauguration of vital projects and the laying of foundation stones of works amounting to a total of Rs 30.28 crore for the benefit of the vast population of the district.

Employment generation took centre stage during this meeting with a strong emphasis on creating a ‘Berozgar Mukht Pulwama’ through the formulation of a District Employment Plan, ensuring that opportunities for self-employment reach everyone in the district.

On the occasion, the chief secretary flagged off the SBM waste collection hoopers.

He complimented the district for the ODF model category that it achieved and urged the people to make Pulwama garbage free.

The chief secretary inspected stalls set up by various government departments showcasing their achievements and initiatives.

The event also included the recognition and felicitation of beneficiaries of various government schemes.

During the review meeting, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama Basharat Qayoom presented a comprehensive sector-wise overview of the ongoing projects and flagship programmes of various departments in the district.

The chief secretary took this occasion to scrutinise the status of ongoing projects, programmes, flagship schemes, and even the financial progress for the current fiscal year.

Detailed deliberations were held about the functioning of various departments including Horticulture, National Rural Livelihood Mission, Revenue, Agriculture, Education, Health, Social Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Jal Shakti, Power, Jal Jeevan Mission, PMGSY, and PWD.

Key directives issued during the meeting included instructing the Agriculture Department to intensify crop cultivation and accelerate completion of infrastructure projects which are part of the National Saffron Mission, given its importance for the growth of the district.

The Animal Husbandry Department was directed to enhance milk processing capabilities, boosting the dairy sector’s crucial role in the district’s economy.

The Cooperative Department was tasked with replicating the Centre’s initiatives for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in every panchayat in Pulwama, with a focus on job creation for youth.

The Sports Department was asked to intensify sports activities including indoor sports, besides opportunities for recreational activities and age-specific sports of senior citizens and enhance women’s participation, in line with ‘Har Din Khel, Har Kisi Ke Liye Khel’.

Focus was laid on the creation of a District Export Plan to accelerate the growth of per capita income and GDP of the district.

In the public health sector, the chief secretary called for universal screening of the population for NCDs. The diseases beyond those covered under Ayushman Bhava were also deliberated upon to create a healthier and happier population here.

Completion of all JJM works and massive afforestation campaign to improve source sustainability of water was also discussed, in furtherance of ‘Wan Se Jal, Jal Se Jivan’, which would also improve the overall  environment in those areas.

Efficient solid waste management and the transformation of landfill sites into aesthetically pleasing areas were asked to be given priority, reflecting a commitment to a cleaner and more visually appealing environment in the district.

The chief secretary stressed full implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), with special attention to accessing all instalments from the Centre, supporting various developmental projects.

The creation of a winter power management team was directed to ensure quality power supply as per schedule, essential for the comfort and productivity of Pulwama’s residents.