SRINAGAR: Jatin Kishore and Kuldeep Krishan Sidha on Monday assumed charge as Deputy Commissioners of Budgam and Pulwama, respectively, while Dr Basharat Qayoom took over as Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Chief Executive Officer of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL).
Kishore took over as Deputy Commissioner of Budgam from Athar Aamir Khan at a formal handover ceremony attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, the Joint Director Planning, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and other senior district officers.
After assuming charge, Kishore interacted with senior officers and obtained an overview of the functioning of various departments.
In Pulwama, Sidha succeeded Dr Basharat Qayoom as Deputy Commissioner. He held an introductory-cum-review meeting with district and sectoral officers at the Circuit House to assess ongoing development works, implementation of government schemes and public service delivery.
Sidha stressed the need for interdepartmental coordination, timely completion of development projects and prompt resolution of public grievances. He directed officers to adopt a proactive, people-centric approach and ensure effective implementation of government programmes.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora, and officers from various departments.
Meanwhile, Dr Basharat Qayoom assumed charge as SMC Commissioner and SSCL CEO, succeeding Faz Lul Haseeb.
Addressing officers at the SMC headquarters, Qayoom emphasised a citizen-first approach, accountability and coordination among departments. He called for strengthening grievance-redressal mechanisms and improving the delivery of essential municipal services.
He also stressed the need for sustainable urban planning, improved sanitation, stronger civic infrastructure and timely implementation of development projects to improve the quality of life in Srinagar. He said citizens’ concerns and feedback should remain central to municipal administration.