J&K Ayush Deptt’s leadership void hits NAM scheme hard

Srinagar, Jan 26: The Ayush Department in Jammu and Kashmir is facing an unprecedented leadership crisis following the retirement of its director on November 30, 2024.

According to officials, since then, the department has been headless, causing stagnation at all levels and severely affecting its functioning during this crucial period of the financial year. The absence of a full-time Director has left the department directionless, with routine administrative and financial operations coming to a standstill.

While the Deputy Director’s position is being handled by an in-charge official, the lack of leadership at the helm has significantly impacted decision-making,  disbursement, and program implementation.

An official of the department said that the leadership vacuum has resulted in the department’s budget un utilised in the Directorate due to the lack of an authorised official to disburse funds.

“We the employees across J&K are bearing the brunt of this administrative deadlock. This comes at a time when the department must adhere to strict financial norms for budget utilisation,” said the official.

According to the official, 15% of the annual budget is required to be utilised during January and February. While another 15% must be expended in March to meet the fiscal year-end deadlines.

“Failure to utilise these funds could result in lapses, further straining the department’s already constrained resources,” said the official.

The leadership vacuum has also stalled the implementation of the most important, National Ayush Mission (NAM), a centrally sponsored scheme pivotal to the department’s operations.

The NAM, which aims to enhance Ayush services and infrastructure, has been the backbone of the department, supporting, Infrastructure development, Training camps and awareness programs besides research and education initiatives.

However, due to the current crisis, activities under NAM have come to a halt. This delay threatens to derail crucial projects aimed at improving healthcare access and promoting Ayush system across Jammu and Kashmir.

The employees of the Ayush Department are enduring severe hardships during this harsh winter, with salaries and other financial benefits delayed due to the administrative bottleneck.

The leadership crisis in the department poses multifaceted challenges, including underutilisation of funds, stalled development projects, and a blow to public health initiatives.

The Stakeholders have urged the government to take swift action by appointing a full-time director to restore normalcy and ensure the smooth functioning of the department.