BANDIPORA/KUPWARA: As part of the government’s public outreach programme, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, IT, Youth Services & Sports and ARI, Satish Sharma, today held an interactive session with the district-level officers to assess the implementation of various schemes.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Hussain Shawl and other senior officers.
The Minister undertook a comprehensive review of departmental activities, including Youth Services & Sports, Food Supplies, Transport and other allied sectors.
While reviewing the Youth Services & Sports Department, Satish Sharma emphasised promotion of sports activities, particularly skiing and water sports. He reviewed the ongoing works being executed under the J&K Sports Council, besides assessing the approved new development works under the Council.
The Minister laid special emphasis on construction of the prefab Indoor Hall at S.K. Stadium, directing the concerned officers to complete the remaining works at the earliest and make the facility fully functional. He also reviewed upgradation of playfields at S.K. Stadium Bandipora, Sadunara, Dawar (Gurez), Naidkhai and Ajas.
Satish Sharma further directed for installation of lighting facilities at the prominent and popular stadiums, besides at the important shrines, temples and gurdwaras across the districts to enhance the accessibility and public convenience.
Stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination, the Minister called for synergy among the departments to ensure effective implementation of development initiatives. He also reviewed the initiatives related to drug de-addiction, including the establishment of de-addiction centres. He appreciated the ongoing efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The Minister encouraged the organisation of sports events, marathons and youth engagement activities to promote a healthy lifestyle and channel youth energy in a positive direction.
While reviewing the functioning of the Motor Vehicles Department, the Minister directed the ARTO Bandipora to conduct regular medical examinations of drivers to enhance road safety. He also asked the Assistant Director of Food to hold consultations with the local residents to strengthen the public distribution system.
Satish Sharma exhorted upon all the departments to work with renewed commitment to ensure holistic, inclusive and sustainable development of Bandipora district.
While interacting with the media, the Minister said that a comprehensive review of the district Bandipora will be taken after some time. He said that the necessary mechanism is already in place to ensure that the pace of development in the district is sped up.
Later, the Minister held a public outreach programme at Kupwara, which was attended by various deputations from different areas of Kupwara district.
The deputations highlighted different issues related to sports infrastructure, supply positions, IT-related and other issues.
Satish Sharma assured the deputations that the issues raised by them will be addressed within the shortest possible time. He said that the government is committed towards ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain and people-centric governance.
“We will also ensure that the benefits of various schemes percolate to the grassroots levels, benefiting the targeted populace,” the Minister maintained.