Reasi, Nov 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed the developmental scenario of Reasi district and directed officers to expedite ongoing projects, improve utilisation of funds and ensure timely delivery of public services.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting, the Chief Minister laid e-foundation stones for five major projects worth Rs 20.38 crore aimed at strengthening road connectivity, power infrastructure, sports facilities and agriculture.
The projects include renewal of the Gran-Sukhalghati (up to Toot) Road under PMGSY at a cost of Rs 5.15 crore; a 6.3 MVA, 33/11 KV receiving station at Chassana, Mahore, costing Rs 4.77 crore; levelling and construction of a boundary wall at Kalka Akhara, Reasi, at Rs 1.65 crore; a Centre of Excellence worth Rs 4.65 crore; and a 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV receiving station at Gulabgarh costing Rs 4.17 crore.
Omar observed that Reasi faces unique developmental challenges due to its geographical conditions and heavy pilgrim influx, particularly visitors to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other religious shrines. He said infrastructure planning must cater to both the local population and the large floating population visiting the district.
Reviewing the Public Works sector, he directed officers to accelerate ongoing works and ensure optimal utilisation of funds during the remaining working season. He also called for identifying projects where funds could be re-appropriated in consultation with concerned MLAs.
On the VB-G RAM G scheme, the Chief Minister stressed the need to expedite expenditure and ensure that available allocations translate into tangible benefits on the ground.
Expressing concern over staff shortages, particularly at the cutting-edge level, he said vacancies affecting public service delivery would be examined at the departmental level.
Reviewing Mission Yuva, Omar discussed delays in loan processing and disbursement by financial institutions. He assured that the matter would be taken up with banks to streamline procedures and facilitate beneficiaries.
He also emphasised achieving the prescribed expenditure target of over 80 per cent under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), directing departments to bridge the gap between administrative approvals and actual execution. He cautioned that delays and underutilisation of funds could affect future allocations and incentives.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek presented an overview of the district's developmental profile, sector-wise achievements and the physical and financial progress of ongoing projects.
The meeting reviewed District and UT CAPEX budgets, tribal welfare initiatives, PMGSY, MGNREGA, PMAY-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT 2.0, smart metering and infrastructure augmentation under RDSS.
Progress in healthcare, social security pensions, agriculture and allied sectors was also assessed, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Kisan Khidmat Ghars and issuance of Kisan Credit Cards. Revenue generation and foodgrain distribution were also discussed.
The Chief Minister called for better coordination between elected representatives, district administration and departmental officers to address local concerns and ensure balanced development.
Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Sakeena Itoo, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmed Wani; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; concerned MLAs; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Reasi, SSP Reasi and senior district and divisional officers attended the meeting.
Later, several delegations from different areas of Reasi met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental issues. Omar gave them a patient hearing and assured that their genuine concerns would be examined for appropriate redressal.
