Dulloo for transforming KKGs into ‘instruments of change’
*Reviews progress under TB Mukt Abhiyan
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 13: Director General, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Sonali Mishra, today called on Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo to review and deliberate upon critical aspects of railway security in Jammu & Kashmir, including safeguarding the assets and ensuring passenger safety.
The Chief Secretary and the DG RPF held an in-depth discussion on the prevailing security scenario, recent upgrades in the security apparatus and measures undertaken in light of Kashmir’s railway integration with the national network.
The deliberations also covered operational and security arrangements for freight trains, which are set to ply regularly on the newly connected railway line. Both sides acknowledged the strategic importance of this connectivity in boosting trade, tourism, and commerce in the region.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, directed the Agriculture Production Department (APD) to transform Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs) into vibrant multipurpose centres in villages, positioning them as “instruments of change” for the farming community across Jammu & Kashmir.
Chairing a high-level meeting held to review the functioning of KKGs across the districts, the Chief Secretary described the initiative as a “phenomenal programme” conceptualised by the leading national experts, with the potential to accelerate agricultural growth, enhance farmer awareness and promote best farming practices.
He emphasised that every farm family should have at least one member registered with a KKG. He highlighted the unique role of these centres in delivering timely advisories, customised guidance and awareness on modern, scientific farming techniques.
To enhance their utility, the Chief Secretary directed for integrating the additional services into KKGs, including recognition as Common Service Centres (CSCs) for delivering various Government services online, functioning as custom hiring centres for farm machinery and acting as Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) for banks to facilitate financial access.
The Chief Secretary also asked the MD, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), to prepare a comprehensive list of agriculture-related business ventures that Krishi Udhyamis (KUs) can establish at these centres. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to circulate success stories from the existing centres to inspire replication by others.
Principal Secretary, APD, Shailendra Kumar, directed the Deputy Commissioners to set strict timelines for operationalising newly established centres, noting that KUs had already been engaged. He asked for provisioning of essential IT equipment, adoption of Point of Sale (PoS) machines for fertiliser sales and proactive public outreach to boost farmer registrations and service uptake.
Later, Chief Secretary, chaired a meeting to review the progress of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and assess the measures being taken to achieve the goal of a tuberculosis-free Jammu and Kashmir.
He directed for vigorous contact tracing and mandated that each doctor should adopt at least two TB patients to provide personalised guidance and ensure adherence to treatment protocols. He stressed the importance of home visits by ASHA workers to extend ‘at-home’ support to patients and enhance recovery rates.
The Chief Secretary also interacted with all Deputy Commissioners to review the availability and utilisation of diagnostic equipment, screening mechanisms, and treatment facilities in their respective districts. He urged them to optimise resources to deliver timely and quality treatment.
He further reviewed the action taken on directives issued earlier by the Lieutenant Governor, emphasising their strict implementation in letter and spirit.
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