Saurabh Bhagat chairs Mega Public darbar at Kupwara

Kupwara : Commissioner Secretary, Science & Technology Department , Saurabh Bhagat, today chaired a mega public darbar at Town Hall Kupwara under Public outreach initiative of the government, aimed to take stock of public grievances besides assessing development activities being executed in the district.

The public darbar witnessed an overwhelming response from the community. During the Public Darbar, the Commissioner Secretary had extensive interaction with the participants who apprised him of their issues relating their respective areas. He also sought feedback from them on implementation of government schemes in their areas while enquiring about the impact of these initiatives on their lives.

The Secretary, while responding to the issues raised by the public during the public darbar, assured them that all the issues will be taken up with the concerned authorities for an early redressal.Assuring swift action, Saurabh Bhagat assured to take up all public demands to the relevant authorities for redressal.

While highlighting the importance of public darbar, the Chief Guest said that these public outreach programs act as a bridge between the administration and the people, paving the way for enhanced growth and development in the district. The Secretary level Officers, on rotation basis reach out at the door steps of people to analyze their specific developmental needs and aspirations.

Commissioner Secretary, said that Kupwara district is first district( from border side) and besides it is Aspirational district which is witnessing development and progress at a fast speed and we hope that it will also become top performing district not only in UT of J&K but in entire country.

While elaborating on e-governance, he said
that 1200 online government services are playing a significant role in digital transformation, improving citizen engagement, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and convenience for citizens. These services allow citizens to access government services anytime, anywhere without the need to visit physical offices. Similarly, LG’S Grievance cell plays a crucial role in resolving issues of people by providing a dedicated platform for addressing their complaints and concerns within a month’s time in a responsive and effective manner. Transparent administration has promoted trust, accountability and effective governance” he said.

Expressing gratitude for the community’s huge involvement, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted the importance of creating awareness about online services and digitization.

Commissioner Secretary on the occasion announced that government will provide roof top solar-power to all buildings of the government.

While praising the efforts of DC Kupwara, Commissioner Secretary said that Ms. Ayushi Sudan is one of the best and capable DC to drive positive change, development and address the distinct geographical challenges in the district.

DDC Chairman, Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori on the occasion, demanded solar home lights for ST households, tourism infrastructure development in famous tourist destination Bangus and solar powered pumps for agriculture purposes for farmers of the district .

Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Ms. Ayushi Sudan on the occasion, presented a brief picture of development and other initiatives in the district.

DC said that the tourism sector has received a major boost in the district. In 2019-20, six thousand tourists visited Kupwara district but in 2023-24, 4,50,000 tourists visited Kupwara district which is a record.

DC said that Kupwara district is an aspirational district and two of its blocks Keran and Machil are aspirational blocks. There are 100 smart class rooms in the district and 100 more are in the pipe line. She added that around 28000 unemployed youth of the district have taken benefit of self employment schemes in the district and there is a overwhelming response, presence and impact of CSSs on the ground.

DC affirmed that all public inputs from the darbar would be recorded and integrated into actionable plans.

VC DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir, on the occasion said that the approach of LG administration , reaching out to grass -root levels is ensuring that policies and programmes are effectively implemented and needs of local communities are adequately addressed.

“By engaging directly with people at grass-roots level, the government is better understanding their concerns, gathering valuable feedback and tailoring solutions to meet specific needs leading to more inclusive and responsive governance” Haji Farooq said .
Earlier, the Commissioner Secretary also inspected stalls set up by various departments, showcasing their achievements and schemes and participated in plantation drive by planting deodar saplings in the lawns of Town hall Kupwara.

On the occasion, three projects including Construction of Food store Kargam, project cost 7.00 Lac executed by RDD, construction of Community Hall at Kuligam A, executed under ADF with a project cost of Rs 16.00 lacs (RDD), Construction of tile path at Bunpora Magam project cost 9.30 executed by RDD, were e-inaugurated by the Commissioner Secretary in presence of other dignitaries.
Among others the public darbar was attended by DDC Drugmulla, Adv. Amina Majeed, Chairman, Traders federation, Chairman Transport association Kupwara, ADDC Kupwara, ADC Kupwara, JD Planning, SE R&B, District officers ,Sectoral officers besides a large number of people.