*Seeks extension of POPSK services
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 17: Expressing concern over the deficiencies regarding social auditing in MGNREGA reportedly pointed out by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell has asked for placement of social audit staff for MGNREGA.
“For ensuring accountability and transparency for all stakeholders, it is mandatory as per the MGNREGA Act to establish an independent social audit by appointing Director Social Audit MGNREGA and other supporting staff at both State as well as the Divisional level,” Tassaduq Mufti, Coordinator of Grievance Cell has said in a communication addressed to RDD Minister Abdul Haq Khan.
He also asked for appointment of Ombudsman in each district by placing the requisite mechanism for redressal of the grievances related to the MGNREGA.
Meanwhile, Tassaduq Mufti said that Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) services should be extended to Pir-Panjal region and erstwhile Doda district for hassle-free delivery of passport related services to the inhabitants of these areas.
Mufti expressed happiness that Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Department of Posts (DOP) has decided to utilize the Head Post Offices (HPO) as Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) to ensure wider coverage in the various districts of Leh, Udhampur, Anantnag, Baramulla and Kathua of the State.
He said that several deputations from erstwhile Doda district and Pir Panjal region had approached him demanding that similar facilities be provided to their respective areas as they are facing difficulties due to the remoteness of the area and difficult terrain in the delivery of passport related services.
The Coordination CM’s Grievance Cell has asked the Regional Passport Officer Jammu that a case should be formulated and forwarded to the higher authorities in the MEA for necessary sanction in this regard.
Meanwhile, expressing deep concern over the alarming increase in ‘dog bite cases’ in summer capital, the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell has sought an action taken report in this regard from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC).
“I am deeply concerned over reports regarding the exponential increase in ‘dog bite cases’ in Srinagar city,” Tassaduq Mufti, Coordinator CM’s Grievance Cell has said in a communication addressed to Dr Shafqat Khan, Commissioner SMC.
According to the communication, reports of more than 16000 dog bite cases during past three years reveals that SMC has not done enough to keep under check the canine menace caused by more than 19000 stray dogs in the city.
“These stray dogs keep on chasing, attacking and biting pedestrians, morning walkers and two-wheeler riders. On a grave note elderly people and children seem to be the prime victims of such attacks,” it said, adding that SMC had recently announced that a Memorandum of Understanding had been signed with the unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association for its Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Programme through pay per dog sterilization, “but unfortunately its results are barely visible on the ground.”
“We need to have a holistic response to this grave problem that is endangering human lives,” the communication said, adding that the easily available high energy rich waste from households, poultry outlets, hotels, restaurants, butcher shops and weddings, dumping of waste on roadside or in water bodies, open garbage sheds and slow pace of distribution of domestic garbage bins, unutilized dog pounds have also aggravated this problem.
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