Don’t hold development hostage to red tape: Sajad Lone

Srinagar, Jun 16: MLA Handwara and Peoples Conference (PC) President, Sajad Lone, on Monday said that the development must not be held hostage to red tape.

According to a press release, he was addressing a review meeting with senior officials from various government departments to evaluate the ongoing schemes and infrastructure projects.

The meeting was attended by officers of various departments including PHE, RDD, Health, R&B, PMGSY, PDD, Forest, Agriculture, Horticulture and the Municipal Committee.

Lone emphasised the need for urgency, transparency and impact. “Development must not be held hostage by red tape. Handwara deserves governance that is swift, honest and effective,” he asserted.

The session began with updates from the PHE and Irrigation departments, where Lone pressed for immediate action on water supply issues and flood control preparedness. This was followed by a briefing from the Rural Development Department on MGNREGA and rural infrastructure initiatives.

Lone highlighted the significance of job creation at the grassroots and visible, durable assets under every scheme. In the health sector, representatives from GMC and GDH Handwara shared recent improvements in healthcare delivery. Lone stressed the need for accessible primary health services across the constituency, stating, “No village should struggle for basic health services in this day and age.”

Subsequent discussions delved into urban development, road connectivity, forest conservation and agriculture-led growth. Departments like PMGSY, Forest, and Horticulture presented ongoing projects, with MLA Handwara urging time-bound execution and public-focused planning.

The Power Development Department outlined its roadmap to enhance electricity supply in remote areas. He directed that necessary upgrades be prioritized and uninterrupted power ensured, particularly during critical hours.

Reiterating his commitment to transformative governance, Lone said, “My vision is to turn Handwara into a model of inclusive development where every village is empowered and every citizen feels the change.”