CS finalises arrangements for Republic Day celebrations

*Visits AIIMS Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 18: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a meeting with top civil administration and police officers to give final shape to the arrangements made for celebrating the Republic Day across J&K.
The Chief Secretary enquired from each concerned department about the status of preparations put in place for smooth conduct of celebrations at both Jammu and Srinagar. He impressed upon the concerned divisional administrations to encourage all to participate in these celebrations with provisioning of transport and other facilities to reach the venue.
Dulloo also enquired about the preparations made to illuminate all the landmark sites and Government buildings. He advised the HoDs to illuminate their offices and the concerned Municipal Corporations along with other public infrastructure as per past practice.
The Chief Secretary stressed on ensuring plausible transport and seating arrangements for the school children, their refreshment and assistance for making preparations ahead of this event.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the arrangements made for parking of vehicles at both the venues while directing the traffic authorities for ensuring smooth movement of traffic on roads. He took stock of security arrangements required to be put in place for safety of all besides ensuring smooth conduct of the event.
Regarding presentation of cultural segments during the program, the Chief Secretary asked to make it inclusive by encouraging participation of both specially abled and other children. He asked the Divisional Commissioner to personally check the quality of tableaux to be showcased by Culture, PDD (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana), Police (Drug Abuse), YS&S (Fit India Movement) and Cooperatives Departments.
He unequivocally enjoined upon the municipal bodies to carry out special sanitation drives all across the urban areas especially in and around the parade venues. He told them that it is their duty to prepare the cities for hosting this national event.
Dulloo also asked the Director Information to ensure live telecast of the main functions from the regional units of Doordarshan and All India Radio besides facilitating the media persons in carrying out their professional assignments.
The other agenda items which came up for discussion during the meeting included uninterrupted power and water supply besides accomplishment of other civil works taken up by the R&B Department to beautify the venues at both Jammu and Srinagar.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary visited AIIMS Jammu and interacted with the faculty of the institute to assess the facilities being provided to patients there besides taking stock of issues, if any, confronting them.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department and Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba.
Professor Shakti Kumar Gupta, ED & CEO, AIIMS Jammu, highlighted the key facilities available in AIIMS Jammu, including the Library, Poison Information and Management Centre, OPD, IPD, Emergency Department and the Blood Bank.
The Chief Secretary commended the efforts of AIIMS Jammu in delivering quality healthcare. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among AIIMS, UT Government, IITs and IIMs to address healthcare challenges in far flung areas of this region effectively.
In his address, Atal Dulloo highlighted the urgent need to focus on improving medical infrastructure in hilly and remote areas, where healthcare accessibility is limited. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts and innovative solutions could significantly enhance the quality and reach of medical services in such regions.
The visit also involved discussions on strategies to strengthen the healthcare system in Jammu & Kashmir by leveraging institutional synergies and technological advancements. This engagement underscores the government’s dedication towards ensuring that the people of Jammu & Kashmir have access to world class healthcare facilities, especially in underserved regions.