SRINAGAR: On his visit to J&K, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, reviewed the developmental scenario in J&K to explore thrust areas in the presence of Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta and other senior officers to help J&K realize the vision of Viksit J&K @ 2047.
An official spokesman said that during the interactive session, the VC expressed his appreciation for the best practices that have been implemented in the Union Territory (UT) over the past couple of years, which have enhanced the responsiveness and transparency of the administration.
He specifically noted the remarkable digital transformation that has taken place within a span of just two years, enabling the delivery of all services online. Additionally, he commended initiatives such as the compilation of the District Good Governance Index and rankings of Panchayats and Blocks based on key developmental parameters, emphasizing their significance as noteworthy practices, said the spokesman.
The VC also observed that NITI Aayog is a platform to share knowledge and good practices among States/UTs to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He stressed that the institutional and governance dimensions, supported by financial imperatives, are crucial in shaping the nation’s future as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
The spokesman said that Bery further noted that all the programmes devised by the UT are designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens and build trust in governance systems, ultimately fostering the development of a modern society aligned with the Aspirational agenda set by our nation for itself. He called for the adoption of sustainable models of development, gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels and adopting alternatives to them.
He assured that NITI Aayog shall be willing to extend support to J&K and mentioned possible areas of cooperation. He suggested that J&K should retain its natural advantages to achieve its aim of being one of the top 50 Global tourist destinations.
He also suggested factoring in risks and uncertainties while formulating developmental plans to be future-ready. He highlighted the need for promoting organic agriculture and high-density plantations as the way forward. He highlighted the need for a diversified economy, besides the undisputable strength in tourism and horticulture, as a risk mitigation measure, as brought out by the Covid-19 experience, said the spokesman.
He said that on the occasion the Chief Secretary informed the Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog about the transparency and accountability framework like BEAMS, e-tendering, mandatory Administrative Approvals, and Technical Sanctions along with physical verification of projects which have accelerated the pace of development in the UT. He highlighted that with nearly the same level of capital expenditure, UT has achieved completion of 10 times more work than what was accomplished prior to 2019.
CS maintained that J&K is shedding all possible constraints to adopt the path that is progressive and improves the quality of life of people. He outlined that J&K has by now adopted all the laws enacted by the Parliament. He said that the UT has junked all the convoluted thinking to be a competitive entity.
The Chief Secretary also apprised the VC, NITI Aayog about the landmark developments the UT has embraced in the shape of Back to Village, My Town My Pride, and robust grievances redressal mechanism to bring government to the doorsteps of people. He revealed that the UT government is well on the path to achieve excellence in every sector.
The Chief Secretary maintained that J&K has not attempted to invent the wheel afresh instead it has tried to customize the technology adopted elsewhere to ascend rapidly the ladder of development. He stated that the LG Administration has made it a focal point to put the interests of people ahead of everything which is sole guiding principle to help it to attain new heights of progress with each passing month, the spokesman said.
Later on, NITI Aayog also dwelt upon the structure and framework of a UT Institute of Transformation, supported by NITI Aayog, as part of a reimagined planning department of the UT, which would be key to shaping its journey towards a Viksit J&K @ 2047.
Earlier, Suman Bery, met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, today.
He discussed with the LG Vision Document for Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and the way forward.
They also discussed various important matters including Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HDAP); potential PPP projects and Asset monetization, and funding on the pattern of North-Eastern/Himalayan states for externally-aided projects.
