Work takes a hit owing to vacant post of ADC Handwara

Kupwara, Dec 28: Residents of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district are grappling with a growing administrative crisis as the position of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) remains vacant fifty days after the transfer of the ADC to the Chief Minister’s office.

The void has disrupted public services and administrative processes, leaving both officials and residents frustrated.

The delay in posting of a new ADC has caused significant bottlenecks in governance. Routine work has been stalled, with files requiring the ADC’s approval accumulating in large numbers.

“The files requiring the ADC’s approval have been piling up over the past two weeks, stalling essential administrative work,” said a local resident.

The absence of a key administrative head has particularly impacted the resolution of public grievances, leaving residents without immediate assistance.

“People have nowhere to turn for help, and the administrative machinery feels paralysed,” another resident lamented.

Adding to the discontent, residents have also called for the posting of a permanent Executive Officer (EO) for the Municipal Committee Handwara. The lack of stable leadership in the municipal body, they say, has compounded civic issues and delayed basic services.

Amid mounting frustration, many residents have appealed for the return of former ADC Aziz Ahmad Rather. Known for his proactive and people-centric approach, Rather is remembered for his ability to resolve public grievances effectively during his tenure in Handwara.

Residents have urged the administration to fill the vacant ADC position immediately and post a permanent EO for the Municipal Committee. They stress that the prolonged administrative vacuum has caused unnecessary hardships, and immediate intervention is needed to restore normalcy.

The silence from the concerned authorities, residents say, deepens their sense of neglect, leaving them feeling unheard and unsupported.

"We call on officials to prioritise governance in Handwara to ensure the smooth functioning of public services,” said residents.

Meanwhile District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Kupwara Irfan Panditpori told Greater Kashmir that he has raised this issue with the Chief Secretary and hopefully the post of ADC will be filled up soon.

He acknowledged the hardships being faced by a large chunk of people in absence of Additional Deputy Commissioner in Handwara.