‘Urology, Kidney Care facilities needed in rural areas’
* Flags need for stronger power sector planning
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Apr 14: Terming assurances given on the floor of the House as solemn commitments to the Legislature and the people, the Committee on Government Assurances of J&K Legislative Assembly has stressed that their timely implementation is essential to maintain the credibility of governance and strengthen the accountability of the Executive to the Legislature.
In its latest report, the Committee underscored that commitments made before the Legislature carry institutional and public significance, and any delay or laxity in fulfilling them risks undermining public trust as well as the sanctity of Parliamentary processes.
The Committee, which undertook a comprehensive review of assurances pertaining to key departments, including Health and Medical Education, Public Works (Roads & Buildings) and the Power Development Department and examined the Action Taken Reports (ATRs) submitted by these departments, held detailed deliberations to assess the status of the implementation.
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The Panel observed that while several assurances have been implemented and satisfactory progress achieved in a number of cases, there are still instances where remains slow progress. It pointed out that certain assurances require sustained monitoring and timely follow-up, indicating gaps in execution mechanisms and coordination.
Emphasising accountability, the Committee directed all concerned departments to ensure that assurances are implemented within stipulated timeframes. It also called upon administrative authorities to maintain close coordination to remove procedural and technical impediments that may delay their implementation.
Highlighting the importance of efficient governance, the Committee stressed the need for improved administrative coordination and stronger monitoring mechanisms, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, road infrastructure and power supply, which have a direct bearing on the daily lives of citizens.
It also called for prompt disposal of issues relating to infrastructure development and public service delivery to ensure tangible outcomes on the ground. The Committee further observed that Action Taken Reports submitted by departments must be comprehensive, factual and timely, enabling effective evaluation of progress in the implementation of assurances.
Based on its examination, the Committee decided to drop those assurances where replies were found satisfactory, while keeping others under continued scrutiny until their satisfactory implementation.
Expressing confidence in improved outcomes, the Committee said that sustained efforts in ensuring timely execution of assurances would strengthen institutional accountability of the Executive to the Legislature and enhance public confidence in democratic governance in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
About the assurance given on the floor of the House vis-à-vis establishment of Homeopathy College at Kathua, the Health and Medical Education, in its reply furnished to the Panel, has conveyed that mobilization of project on ground would take some more time as the tendering and allotment process would be initiated only after the Contract Committee accords approval since the project cost exceeds Rs 40 crore.
The Committee, in its report, has emphasized the need for specialized medical services such as Urology, Kidney Care and Laparoscopic facilities in the rural and remote areas. It has also raised the issue of shortage of ambulances in the health institutions located in the rural areas and asked the department to ensure availability of adequate ambulance services to improve emergency response and patient care.
As far as Roads and Buildings Department is concerned, the House Panel has impressed upon the department to expedite the process of obtaining forest clearances in respect of various road projects. “Forest clearances should preferably be obtained prior to floating of tenders so that delays in execution can be avoided”, the Panel has stressed.
Regarding the power sector, the Committee has mentioned that the Power Development Department should ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply to every citizen of the Union Territory and chart out plans to ensure that vulnerable areas receive priority attention.
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