JAMMU: With a view to strengthen the delivery of transport-related services, road safety and public welfare in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Transport, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, today chaired a high-level review meeting of the Transport Department, Jammu Division.
The meeting was attended by the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu, Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) from all districts of Jammu Division, and other key officials.
The meeting focused on streamlining the transport services, enhancing public safety and ensuring citizen-centric governance.
The Minister took a detailed assessment of the current status of online services and directed the officials to ensure prompt, efficient and hassle-free access to digital platforms for all transport-related services. He also called for the timely dispatch of Driving License Cards and urged the department to minimise delays by adopting streamlined processes.
Satish Sharma emphasised on organizing massive road safety awareness drives and educational campaigns targeting all categories of road users. He advocated for periodic medical examinations of drivers to ensure fitness and reduce road accident risks.
Stressing on the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly among commercial drivers and youth, the Minister directed that dedicated awareness and de-addiction camps be held regularly across the districts, in collaboration with health and social welfare departments.
The Minister instructed the officers to intensify field-level enforcement using advanced monitoring tools, ensuring strict vigilance on traffic violations. He also called for strict regulation of speed governors in vehicles and insisted on verifying their functionality during routine inspections.
To improve departmental efficiency, the Minister directed for regular training and exposure visits of transport officials to other states for learning and adopting best practices. He also highlighted the need for field verification of safety barriers, periodic audits of accident-prone road stretches and immediate updating of vehicle owner contact details for improved service delivery.
The Minister directed the holding of regular review meetings to ensure the renewal of registration for aged vehicles as per environmental and mechanical fitness norms. He stressed that the department must adopt a proactive, citizen-centric approach and work in close coordination with stakeholders to develop a safe, efficient and responsive transport system across the Union Territory.
The Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the Transport and related arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra(SANJY) 2025.
The Minister, later, held a review meeting in Hiranagar, Kathua with all concerned departments to review the arrangements for the upcoming SANJY, 2025, wherein focus was laid on adequate Transport, Health, clean Food and water, shelter, toilet, etc arrangements.
He emphasized the need for a synergetic and coordinated approach among all departments to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.
The meeting was attended by RTO Kathua, SDM Hiranagar, ARTO Kathua, AD FCS&CA Kathua, DYSSO Kathua and other departmental officers/officials.
The Minister also attended the Final Match of the Hockey Tournament held at Hockey Club Hiranagar, as chief guest.
MLA Hiranagar and prominent local citizens were also present during the event.
The Minister felicitated the winning teams and outstanding players, encouraging youth to actively participate in sports and contribute positively to society. Further, he announced sports kits (hockey), one each for the finalists.
Regarding the Sports ground Hiranagar, where the event was held, the Minister assured that the team comprising officers of the Sports Council will be directed to visit the ground and take necessary steps for its upgradation.
Later, Satish Sharma interacted with multiple public delegations at the PWD Guest House, Hiranagar.
He patiently heard grievances and demands raised by the people and issued on-the-spot instructions to concerned departments for immediate redressal.
