CS assesses CITaG’s roadmap for development, governance in J&K

Srinagar, Aug 14: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review the preliminary roadmap of the Centre for Innovation and Transformation in Governance (CITaG), aimed at accelerating economic growth, improving governance, and reforming the planning process in J&K.

The presentation during the meeting highlighted significant progress in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), governance transformation, and institutional capacity building across the Union Territory.

Besides the Additional Chief Secretaries of Planning and Tourism, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretaries of PWD, Culture, and Finance; Director, IIM Jammu; Commissioner Secretaries of Industries & Commerce, GAD, Science & Technology, and Labour & Employment; MD, J&K Cable Car Corporation; representatives from NHLML, and other senior officials.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of CITaG in framing a futuristic roadmap for J&K’s overall development. He underlined its role in conceiving, identifying, and implementing high-impact PPP projects to boost industries, tourism, agriculture, urban planning, handicrafts, and other key sectors.

He directed the Planning Development & Monitoring Department to familiarise all departments with CITaG’s mandate and hold brainstorming sessions to explore collaborative implementation of projects and plans. He also advised the CITaG team to develop a focused implementation strategy, prioritising a few best practices for effective execution. Among the initial focus areas, he suggested developing an industrial estate under PPP mode, leveraging the UT’s available land bank.

Participants shared suggestions including sustainable tourism, solar parks, waste management, and capacity building of government officials.

CITaG CEO Dr Sandeep informed that 63 PPP projects worth over Rs 21,988 crore have been identified, of which 21 are active and 42 are in the pipeline. Key projects include adaptive reuse of the historic Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex as a heritage hotel, tourism infrastructure upgrades, ropeway projects, and solar parks. Preliminary site assessments and stakeholder consultations are already underway.

CITaG’s broader mandate covers 65 deliverables in governance and economic development, including drafting a new PPP policy for J&K, enhancing revenue generation, and promoting entrepreneurship and exports.

The meeting was also apprised of CITaG’s recruitment progress — with Phase 1 completed, appointing a CEO, four Specialists, and four Young Professionals through IIM Jammu. Phase 2, which includes specialist positions in infrastructure, social sector, HRD, and IT, is expected to conclude by the end of the month.