CM reaffirms government’s commitment to equitable development

• Interacts with over 24 delegations, pledges prompt solutions

STATE TIMES NEWS

POONCH: Emphasising the importance of completing ongoing projects within stipulated timelines while adhering to the highest quality standards to ensure maximum benefit for the public, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed government’s commitment to equitable development.
“This is the people’s elected government, and it is our duty to maintain close contact with the public”, the Chief Minister said while conducting a comprehensive review of developmental works in Poonch district, marking his first visit to the district since assuming office.

“Today, I personally met around 24 delegations from different areas of Poonch district, reviewed developmental works, identified areas requiring improvement, and issued necessary directions to address key issues”, he said and highlighted the importance of inputs from elected representatives, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and District Development Council (DDC) members.
The review meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Masood, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Administrative Secretaries, District Development Council Chairman, Members of the Legislative Assembly from Poonch district, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, top civil and police officers, and departmental heads.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Poonch delivered a detailed presentation on the progress of CAPEX projects and the achievements of various departments.
During the meeting, MLA Haveli Ajaz Jan and MLA Surankote Chowdhary Akram raised pressing issues, including road connectivity, healthcare, education, and power infrastructure. Prominent delegations, including representatives from Beopar Mandal, religious leaders of all communities, civil society organizations, the ex-servicemen association, bar associations, social workers, and sportspersons, also met with the Chief Minister, presenting their demands and concerns.
The Chief Minister assured the delegations of timely redressal of their genuine demands, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address public grievances effectively.
As part of his visit, the Chief Minister also inaugurated several completed projects in virtual mode of various departments, including PWD, School Education, Animal Husbandry, and Jal Jeevan Mission.
Later, talking to reporters, Abdullah said discussions were held with officials and they have been instructed to address any shortcomings related to development work.
“Today, our intention for coming to Poonch was to take cognisance of the ground realities after the elections. This is the first district in the Jammu (region) where we met officials, MLAs and the DDC chairperson.
“We took a review of grassroots-level development and problems and listened to both officers and local representatives,” he said as reported by PTI.