The Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori, presided over a council meeting today at the DC Office Complex to assess the progress of various developmental initiatives funded by the District CAPEX Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25.
The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir, CEO Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, members of the District Development Council, as well as district and sectoral officers. Initially, the Chief Planning Officer (CPO) of Kupwara provided a comprehensive report on both ongoing and completed projects under the District CAPEX Budget for 2024-25, covering sectors such as Minor Irrigation, Roads and Buildings, Elementary and Secondary Education, Youth Services and Sports, Health, Public Health Engineering, National Food Security, United Grants, and the Samridh Seema Yojna.
The meeting revealed that the total approved budget for 2024-25 amounts to 66,675.25 lakh, with funds released to date totaling Rs. 31,466.90 lakh, and expenditures reaching Rs. 26,662.04 lakh as of October 2024, representing 84.73% of the budget.
The Chairman conducted a thorough review of the physical and financial status of the projects initiated under the District Capex schemes and other sectors. During the discussions, council members raised various concerns related to their constituencies, including feasibility challenges regarding projects under the Power Development Department (PDD), a shortage of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in several blocks, and the impact of this shortage on routine operations.
The council instructed the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) of Kupwara to submit a representation to the Administrative Department addressing the BDO shortage to alleviate the difficulties faced by the community.
After evaluating the sector-wise progress of the projects, the Chairman urged district-level officers from all departments to accelerate the tendering and allotment processes, as well as to hasten the implementation of development projects, particularly in light of the impending drop in temperatures and anticipated snowfall, ensuring timely project completion.
The Chairman conducted a review of the buffer stock of transformers and instructed the PDD officers to ensure that their personnel and equipment remain vigilant in anticipation of the severe winter conditions.
During the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the District Development Council urged the officers to exert their utmost efforts to ensure the timely completion of projects, thereby maximizing the effective use of funds allocated under various schemes.
He specifically directed the relevant officers to prioritize the completion of the Warnow-Shahbad Bridge and the Alama Anwar Shah Stadium.
The ADDC Kupwara, who serves as the CEO of the District Development Council, called upon the officers to be attentive to the public, actively respond to their legitimate concerns, and fully embrace their responsibilities as public servants.
He stressed the importance of accountability, empathy, and the prioritization of proactive service and public welfare.
He encouraged the officers to work diligently to advance the development and progress of the Kupwara district, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
