Udhampur, Nov 11 (KNO): Directing officials to execute projects on fast-track basis, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called for closer monitoring of projects being executed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and timely release of development funds.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting here to assess the developmental scenario of Udhampur District, CM Omar, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) directed officials to accelerate project execution and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach people in a timely manner.
The Chief Minister directed all departments to focus on improving physical progress and ensuring optimal financial utilisation. He stressed that developmental projects must move forward in a coordinated and time-bound manner, with accountability at every level.
Calling for closer monitoring of projects being executed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister directed that their progress be reviewed fortnightly to identify bottlenecks, address implementation-related issues and ensure timely completion. He emphasised the need to maximise utilisation of allocated funds and ensure that the district derives full benefit from the available financial assistance.
The Chief Minister also stressed the timely release of funds under various development and relief schemes, particularly the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), observing that delays in fund disbursement should not impede public works or deprive beneficiaries of timely assistance.
On issues concerning project implementation, CM Omar directed district authorities to expedite pending forest clearances in accordance with prescribed rules and procedures, while ensuring close coordination with the concerned departments to avoid unnecessary delays in developmental works.
INAUGURATES 4 DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
During the visit, the Chief Minister e-inaugurated four developmental projects of the Rural Development Department (RDD), completed at a cumulative cost of ₹5.06 crore, strengthening grassroots development infrastructure in the district.
The inaugurated projects included the District Development Council (DDC) Building at Udhampur, constructed at a cost of ₹235.76 lakh; Block Development Council (BDC) Building at Parlidhar, costing ₹80.17 lakh; BDC Building at Jaganoo, completed at a cost of ₹84.41 lakh; and BDC Building at Sewna, constructed at a cost of ₹106.32 lakh.
The projects have been executed under the CAPEX budget and cater to Udhampur East, Ramnagar and Chenani constituencies.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ananth Dwivedi gave a detailed presentation on the district’s overall developmental profile, sector-wise achievements, ongoing projects, financial and physical progress, and preparedness for the winter season.
Reviewing major infrastructure initiatives, the meeting was apprised of the progress of the Government Medical College (GMC), Udhampur, at Baili, which has achieved 88 per cent overall physical progress. Updates were also shared on national highway projects along NH-244, NH-44 and NH-1A, besides the Mantalai tourism development project being undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, for which the Request for Proposal (RFP) is scheduled to close in November 2026.
Winter preparedness also figured during the meeting. The Deputy Commissioner briefed the meeting on the comprehensive road clearance mechanism covering 124 roads spanning approximately 775 kilometres, supported by the deployment of requisite machinery. The arrangements also include buffer stocks of power poles and transformers, availability of water tankers and medical supplies, and advance stocking of ration in snow-bound areas to ensure uninterrupted essential services during winter.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the District and UT CAPEX budgets, tribal affairs initiatives, PMGSY road connectivity, MGNREGA employment generation and completion of houses under PMAY-G.
In the water and power sectors, discussions covered implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, urban water supply projects under AMRUT 2.0, smart metering and infrastructure augmentation under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of reliable public utilities, particularly during the winter months.
The health and social welfare sectors were also reviewed, with the presentation covering PMJAY-SEHAT coverage, efforts towards TB elimination, institutional deliveries, social security pension coverage and initiatives under Mission Shakti.
In the agriculture and allied sectors, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), functioning of Kisan Khidmat Ghars, issuance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) and progress in generating Agristack Farmer IDs, in which Udhampur has emerged among the leading districts in the Union Territory.
The review further covered industrial development, including the Industrial Infrastructure Development Centre at Battal Ballian, distribution of property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme, regulation of mining activities, revenue generation and targeted food distribution through the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.
On public grievance redressal, the meeting was informed that the district had achieved a disposal rate of 96 per cent of grievances received through the JK Samadhan portal. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of responsive administration and timely resolution of public grievances.
DELEGATIONS APPRISE CM ABOUT VARIOUS PUBLIC ISSUES
Several deputations also called on the Chief Minister during his visit and apprised him of various public issues and demands concerning their respective areas and sectors.
Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmed Wani; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia; MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta; MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania; MLA Ramnagar Sunil Bhardwaj; Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal; Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Ananth Dwivedi; and divisional and district heads of various departments attended the meeting—(KNO)