*High-level review of border situation, law & order
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 21: In a significant decision, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today assigned the responsibility of implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and other developmental works within their jurisdiction to the Deputy Commissioners as she called upon the DCs and SSPs of all districts to extend all possible assistance to border shelling victims and keep strict vigil on law and order situation. She approved Rs 50 crores for construction of bunkers in border areas.
These and other directions were passed by the Chief Minister at high-level review meeting which, apart from top brass of civil and police administration, was attended by all DCs and SSPs of Jammu province. The marathon meeting lasted four hours and was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Chief Secretary BR Sharma, Principal Secretary to CM BB Vyas, Home Secretary RK Goyal, Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra, DGP (Law and Order) Shesh Pal Vaid, Divisional Commissioner Pawan Kotwal and IGP Danesh Rana among others.
Official sources told the Excelsior that Mehbooba Mufti has given major responsibility to all the Deputy Commissioners with a view to expedite developmental works, which have been undertaken in both Central and State sectors. This was done to ensure strict and timely implementation of Central schemes and works within the jurisdiction of concerned Deputy Commissioners as there had been reports that some works were running well behind schedule.
While making it clear that there were adequate funds for developmental works, Mehbooba said the need was to monitor them and ensure their timely execution so that the costs (of the projects) didn’t overrun.
Calling upon the Deputy Commissioners for regular monitoring and review of the projects, she said they (the DCs) can take up the problems of funding and other procedural wrangles, if any, with the concerned Administrative Secretaries, for taking up with State Ministers or the Central Government.
In addition to works undertaken in State sector, the Chief Minister also reviewed all major Central projects including National Highways, roads under Prime Minister’s Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), PDD, PHE and other major projects and called for sticking to the deadlines.
The Chief Minister took serious note of the fact that there were 28 lakh ration card holders as against only 16 lakh power connections in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the administration to undertake a drive to remove the lacunae, which was pointed out by Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Incharge Power Development Department.
Mehbooba said the authorities should find out 12 lakh people, who were holding ration cards (to take subsidized ration) but have not installed electricity meters (to pay the bills).
“All the people, who have obtained ration cards must also have electricity connection and pay the bill,’’ she said.
Sources said the projects to promote tourism came up for high level review in the meeting with the Chief Minister calling for expediting works on them. She said that she would personally visit the spot to see progress on ground.
The law and order situation in Jammu region including militancy front and ongoing tensions along Line of Control (LoC) were reviewed in the meeting with the DGP and other senior officers elaborating in detail the steps taken by the administration for safety and security of the people living within the firing range in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
According to sources, Mehbooba directed for taking all steps for safety of border dwellers and accommodating them in safer locations, if they shift from their houses due to continued shelling and firing from Pakistan side. While the International Border (IB) in Jammu was near normal, the LoC remained active with continuous shelling in different areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Various other aspects of militancy, crime and other such activities figured in the meeting, sources said, adding the Chief Minister directed the officers for maintenance of peace and normalcy in the region.
About four and half month long unrest in the Kashmir valley and its impact on Jammu was reviewed in detail. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister lauded the administration for keeping Jammu peaceful and not allowing unrest to have any major impact in the region.
In his address, Dr Nirmal Singh called upon the administration to take up micro level developmental works like construction of roads, water supply schemes etc. He said the complaints received at the Grievances Cell should be given due weightage and addressed well in time. He stressed for providing all possible facilities to the people living in border areas to save them from Pakistan shelling and firing.
An official handout said: – Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti took a detailed appraisal from the Jammu divisional administration regarding the relief, rescue and rehabilitation plans devised by the respective district administrations in view of the cross border shelling going on for some time.
The Chief Minister was informed that an adequate rehabilitation plan has been put in place and spots have been identified where people would be relocated in case of emergencies.
Mehbooba enquired about the status of harvesting in the border areas and she was informed that additional ration needs to be sent to the villages of Balakote sector which have seen a dip in crop yield due to late harvesting.
The Chief Minister directed initiating the process of identification of land for construction of bunkers for people of the border villages where they can stay in case of emergencies. She added that Rs. 50 crore are being earmarked for construction of bunker facilities in border areas.
The Chief Minister sought appraisal of developmental works from each Deputy Commissioner individually and impressed upon them to monitor all the developmental activities in their districts round the clock. “Every developmental work in your district is your responsibility and chase it till it get completed”, she said and asked the Deputy Commissioners to monitor every development vis a viz these projects closely so that these are not delayed.
Mehbooba regretted that much of the working season in the State, particularly in Kashmir division, has been lost and progress on works slowed down due to the disturbances during the past four months. She said no more time can be wasted and asked the officers to redouble their efforts to make up for the lost time.
She sought detailed information from the DCs regarding availability of ration, power and water supply, healthcare facilities, execution of PSGA and all other issues concerning common masses. She also sought details of ration dumping at far flung areas like Marwah, Wadwan, Paddar and other places which generally remain cut off during winters.
Mehbooba specifically sought details of progress on various developmental works in the districts. She sought progress on projects of solid waste management, particularly land acquisition and start of work, Aadhar enrolment, progress on construction of schools, colleges, polytechnics and ITIs in all districts of the region.
The Chief Minister also enquired about the implementation of National Food Security Act and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Food Entitlement Scheme in the districts and the quantum of ration being lifted under each scheme. She directed the DCs to ensure the retrieved State land remains safe for which she asked them to undertake fencing in convergence with NREGA.
Mehbooba Mufti directed the Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor works on key projects in infrastructure development so that these are completed in time. She sought details of progress on Naigarh Water Supply Scheme, Chenab Water Supply Scheme, Jammu airport expansion, ring road project, Multi-tier parking at Panjtirthi, development of Skill Development School at Mandi, Bafliaz-Surankote road, widening of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Trauma hospital at Banihal and Ramban, Nursing College at Udhampur, Medical Colleges at Doda, Kathua and Rajouri, Ropeway project for Shiv Khori, repairs of transformers in Rajouri, construction of hospitals at Nowshera and Sunderbani, construction of Mini Secretariat at Rajouri and other major projects coming up in Jammu province.
She was also apprised about successful implementation of project Rahat in Udhampur district under which 125 bridges were constructed in convergence mode in a record time.
In view of the coming winter, Mehbooba directed the DC Ramban to be ready with a plan of action in case closure of National Highway. She enquired from DC Kishtwar about the rehabilitation of fire victims of Sukhnai village. She also directed the DC Samba for expediting the acquisition of land for the upcoming AIIMS there.
On the concept of convergence of works in developmental sector in the districts, the Chief Minister said it speeds up works and much of the financial issues get solved. She said when late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed came up with the concept, not many in the administration understood it but thankfully officers and planners now know the advantages of this work model.
Mehbooba asked the Deputy Commissioners to go through the commitments and plans of the late leader for their districts and oversee the progress on them. She said the developmental vision for the State forms the roadmap for present Government.
Asking the officers to take the fight against drug abuse and land encroachments in mission mode, the Chief Minister asked the DCs and SPs to work on a multi-pronged strategy to eradicate the drug menace as it threatens the very survival of our future generation.
Mehbooba enquired about the status of cases of crimes against women in the districts. She was informed that three women’s police stations have been working in the province and two more women’s police stations have been sanctioned where an all women force has been deployed to give a sense of psychological security to the victims.
The Chief Minister asked the DCs to compile the data regarding specially-abled students in the respective districts so that the Government can come up with a plan of action to reach-out to them.
Complimenting the administration for performing the job with dedication during the past few months, the Chief Minister described the Deputy Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police as the basic units of State administration. She said she feels happy to see many young boys and girls in administration who have an urge to do something for the State and the society. She hoped with their efforts and urge she would be able to give a corruption free, responsive and sensitive administration to the State.
Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh, in his intervention, also reminded the officers that there is no scope for complacency as much of the time this year has been lost already. He also suggested dovetailing various schemes in the district to achieve prompt results and underscored the need for engaging local youth in big projects.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked the Deputy Commissioners not to forget the many micro issues in the districts where people are personally involved and focus on mass involvement schemes like Social welfare, NREGA, ration distribution etc. to work in mission mode.
Mehbooba directed the Deputy Commissioners of Jammu division to ensure that the poor nomadic communities living in forest areas for decades together are not harassed and dislocated during anti-encroachment drive.
She asked the Deputy Commissioners that though they should go after big land-grabbers whole-hog who have encroached huge chunks at prime places but the poor and hapless nomads who have been protecting the forests for decades should not be harassed.
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