Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 27: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service Officer’s (KAS) Association called on Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu at the Raj Bhavan here today.
The delegation led by its President Tassaduq Hussain Mir and comprising the other members of the association Anil Sharma, P.A Raina, Waseem Raja, Narinder Khajuria and Ikramullah Tak apprised the Lt Governor about various issues related to the KAS Cadre and sought the early resolution of seniority dispute of 1999 batch which has hampered the career progression of KAS officers of other batches all along the seniority list.
The delegation also submitted a memorandum of demands pertaining to induction into IAS and continuation of 50:50 quota in IAS induction, release of Non-Functional Grades(NFS), placement of officers of 2001,2004 batch in the selection grade/special scale of KAS and equivalent level posts.
The office bearers of the association requested for utilization of Deputation, Leave and Training Reserve posts for regular promotions in various scales of KAS to provide relief to the officers who are stagnated at various levels, finalization of seniority of 2008 batch Junior KAS Officers and induction of Junior KAS Officers of 2011 batch on time scale posts.
The Association further pleaded for extension of CGHS benefits to officers of the KAS cadre on the pattern of All India Services, posting of senior most KAS officers at Secretary level positions and implementation of Training policy for the KAS Officers which has already been approved by the Government.
The Association at the same time assured the Lt Governor of continued support in administering efficient governance in J&K.
The Lt Governor interacted with the members of the delegation and assured that all the genuine demands and issues put forth by them would be looked into meticulously for their early redressal. He urged the officers to work with dedication for public welfare and ensure accountability and transparency while discharge of their duties.
Ramesh Kumar, who recently took over the charge of Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) also called on the Lieutenant Governor and briefed him about the to-date progress of the Board’s various ongoing projects in Katra and the Shrine area.
The CEO apprised the Lt Governor about the recent arrangements being put in place to augment the existing facilities for the pilgrims and the service providers. He informed the Lt Governor that the around 77.50 lakh Yatris have performed darshan of the Holy Cave as on date and the Shrine Board is all geared up for the upcoming Yatra season.
The Lt Governor while reviewing the progress of upgradation of wayside facilities along the tracks called for renewed focus on sanitation and maintenance of impeccable hygienic conditions in and around the Bhojanalayas. He further directed the CEO to provide best langar facilities and usage of environment friendly material in Bhojnalayas.
While briefing about the functioning of the Bhawan-Bhairon passenger ropeway, the CEO informed the Lt Governor that as many as 20.20 lakh pilgrims have availed the facility of this hi-tech ropeway which was commissioned last year and has completed one year of its successful operation.
The Lt Governor directed the CEO to conduct a technical safety and fire audit of the ropeway and devise a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the inspection of the said ropeway periodically to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.
The Lt Governor further reviewed the present status of the installation of CCTV Surveillance System on the entire track from Darshani Deodi to Bhawan which will be implemented on turnkey basis, construction of the mega Durga Bhawan for accommodating nearly 4000 pilgrims at Bhawan area, Inlet Queue management system at Bhawan, Exit Track at Bhawan, and Queue Management system at Bhairon Ji and directed the CEO to ensure that all the projects be completed as per the envisaged timelines for largely facilitating the pilgrims.
Ram Madhav, National General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also met Lieutenant Governor.
Madhav discussed with the Lt Governor about the various issues pertaining to equitable development and maintaining peace and normalcy in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He also shared his views about the prevailing scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sunil Kumar Sharma, former Minister was also present on the occasion.
Shailendra Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir briefed the Lt Governor about the various initiatives taken for educating Voters to exercise their franchise and other ongoing activities of the Election Commission in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lt Governor emphasized the vital importance of strengthening of grass root level democratic institutions and stressed the high importance of generating awareness of electoral process and educating the voters about the value of their vote.
G.M. Shaheen, President, J&K Unit of Janata Dal United (JDU) shared with the Lt Governor his views about the prevailing scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and apprised him about the various issues of public importance pertaining to development of tourism sector, strengthening the road connectivity and employment generation besides other developmental issues at grass root level. He expressed hope towards the present Government to fulfill the developmental aspirations of the people.
The Lt Governor urged Shaheen to continue his sustained endeavours for promoting public welfare.
Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), also called on the Lieutenant Governor and briefed him about the functioning of the KVIB in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lt Governor and Dr Bhat discussed various important issues pertaining to the capacity building of artisans, promotion and implementation of programs for the development and operation of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lt Governor observed that the Khadi and other village industries have a valuable role to play in creating self-reliance amongst the poor and building up of a strong rural community.
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