Tag: chief secretary

Most Of The Smart City Works To Be Completed By 15th Of This Month: Officers To CS

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Saturday impressed upon the officers of the Srinagar Smart City Ltd (SSCL) including the District and Divisional Administration to enhance necessary resources on all the sites where work is going on so that all identified works are completed by mid of this month.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary, PDD; Principal Secretary, PWD; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Secretary, Tourism; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Commissioner, SMC/JMC; VC, LCMA; Chief Engineers of PWD and KPDCL besides other concerned officers.
Dr Mehta, while taking stock of works going on under SSCL, exhorted the executing agencies to utilize the time very efficiently and continue working in double shifts to successfully complete the projects on time.
He advised the officials to keep a track of weather reports for the upcoming week. He even advised them to provide the laborers working on sites with the necessary facilities so that they are able to work during inclement weather conditions.
The Chief Secretary urged the executing agencies to monitor the works round the clock for quality work and ensure their timely completion. He asked them to remove the debris at all the completed sites for ease of people and prepare for dedicating them to the public at the earliest.
Taking work wise review he asked the Divisional Administration to make sure that aesthetics is maintained in all areas.
The Chief Secretary also took note of works to be done at Rambagh, Flood spill Channel, Lalla Ded Crossing, River front development, Cycle track construction, walkways improvement, Polo View, Gupkar Precinct, Ram Munshibagh Park, Development of Gupkar Road including that of works at Nishat and enroute SKICC. He asked them to complete all of these works before 15th of this month. He also enquired about the status of works to be taken in hand at TRC and Parimpora market.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned to make all the fountains including new ones functional in the Dal Lake. He also asked them to lit up the street lights along the Dal shore line and make all the installed light clusters functional for overall beautification of the area being the most visited place by the tourists on visit to the city.

He asked VC, LCMA to start water sports activities at Dal Lake besides installation of jetty inside it. He also asked them to complete the designated works at ‘Char Chinar’ and ‘Panch Chinar’ for making them attractive for visitors. He told them that both these destinations have a good potential to attract the visitors thereby offering more opportunities to Shikara wallas and other traders there.
The Chief Secretary was informed that all the works are going on at a satisfactory pace and most of them would be completed by 15th of this month. He was also informed that around 125 works are going on under this Smart City Mission here. It was revealed that out of Rs 321.40 Cr released to SSCL the fund expenditure stands more than 92% and immediately after receiving the next tranche of funds from the UT the Corporation would receive more funds from the Central Government for taking up more works under the Mission adding better infrastructure and avenues to the summer capital of the UT.

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#Smart #City #Works #Completed #15th #Month #Officers
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 6, 2023
All Five Medical Colleges, AHs To Be Completed By Year End: CS

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Friday said that all the five medical colleges approved during phase one and the Associate Hospitals(AHs) shall be completed before the end of the financial year.
He was speaking while reviewing the progress of works on all the newly established Medical Colleges across JK besides the ongoing work on the two All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) being established at Vijaypur (Jammu) and Awantipora (Kashmir).
Dr Mehta said that all five Medical colleges approved during phase one shall be completed before the end of the financial year.
The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health; MD, JKPCC; Chief Engineers of PWD Kashmir/Jammu besides other concerned officers.
It was impressed upon all concerned to complete all the pending works of colleges such as Academic, Administrative, and Hostel Blocks by June this year and finish works of all Associated Hospitals (AHs) by the year-end. It was emphasized that the academic and medical activities at these colleges should not get affected in any way.
The progress of two new Medical Colleges being established at Udhampur and Handwara (Kupwara) was also discussed.
The meeting was informed that the Academic, Administrative, and Hostel blocks at all the earlier sanctioned five Medical Colleges are nearing completion and only a few minor works are under progress to be completed at the earliest. It was further added that the work on Udhampur College has been taken in hand recently and the tenders for Handwara College have been opened and the contract would be awarded soon.
Moreover, it was informed that with the operationalization of these five New Medical Colleges in Phase-I, the intake capacity of MBBS seats in the UT has increased from 500 to 1100 seats annually. The intake capacity is expected to further increase to 1300 MBBS seats this year with the start of the academic session in GMC Udhampur and Handwara sanctioned under Phase-III of Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Establishment of Medical Colleges. The Letter of Permission (LoP) has been received in favour of GMC Udhampur and Handwara for 100 MBBS seats each recently from the National Medical Commission. Additionally, two new AIIMS at Vijaypur and Awantipora shall add another 200 MBBS seats.

The meeting further deliberated upon the status of two AIIMS level Hospitals being established at Vijaypur (Samba) and Awantipora (Pulwama). It was said that the AIIMS, Vijaypur is all set to be dedicated to the public by October this year and AIIMS, Awantipora by 2025 after 34 more acres of land were provided to the institute for its updated design.
It is pertinent to mention here that the medical infrastructure and education have been given a major push during the past couple of years.
Two AIIMS-level Institutions, seven new Nursing Colleges shall also be set up across the UT. Further, the District and Sub-District Hospitals are given being given adequate manpower in addition to other infrastructure required for providing quality health care to the public.

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#Medical #Colleges #AHs #Completed #Year
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 6, 2023
Govt Has Brought Greater Transparency And Accountability To Financial System Since 2019: CS

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SRINAGAR: Finance Department on Wednesday organised a day-long workshop on “Transformation and Reforms in Financial Management” at SKICC.
The workshop aimed at apprising the participants about the priorities of the government and implementation of its schemes through digital platforms for better outcomes at the field level.
Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta who was Chief Guest on the occasion highlighted major reforms taken up by J&K government to bring greater transparency and accountability in the financial system making it more robust and outcome oriented. He said that since 2019 many reforms had been taken in the financial management system which has resulted in producing far better outcomes.
Chief Secretary said that the key reforms introduced by the government in its financial structure envisaging added transparency and accountability and has brought UT’s fiscal system at par with any other system in the country. He maintained that implementation of transformative reforms such as Budget Estimation and Allocation Monitoring System (BEAMS), online submission of bills through J&K PaySys, mandatory administrative approvals, technical sanctions and e-tendering, digital payments, GFR, GeM and related measures have greatly helped the financial systems in J&K to be efficient, transparent and result oriented.
Dr Mehta complimented the finance department for bringing in necessary changes for the overhaul of the system and said that the department has been at the forefront in eradication of corruption at all levels. “Today we could safely conclude that the financial system in J&K is one of the most transparent systems anywhere and is among the key changes that have taken roots in the UT after 2019” he added.
Chief Secretary said that the government has completed 92000 works during 2022-23 which was unthinkable in the recent past as the number of completed works would be around 9000 before 2019.
He also said that the feedback taken from the panchayats is highly encouraging as no complaint is being received from them regarding the works. He said that works are taking place 3-4 times more on the same amount of money and without facing any obstacles as this year 43000 works have been completed in panchayats which was just about 3000 before this system was put in place. He said that the officers involved in this transformation should feel proud to be part of this journey.

Regarding the number of beneficiaries receiving old age pension, widow pension, the CS said that number of beneficiaries has increased from 4.5 lakh to 10 lakh without putting any further burden on the state exchequer. He also said that 11.5 lakh beneficiaries have been weeded out from the CAPD department without anyone complaining about the same. He said that the money is reaching where it is intended to reach and there is no siphoning of public money now due to DBT and digitisation of services.
He recalled that the officers of the finance department are the protectors of the public exchequer and they should make this department most happening department in the country and achieve the financial discipline for achieving saturation of all the beneficiary led schemes.
Dr Mehta said that promoting good governance in the financial management has been one of the core objectives of the government and people are able to oversee works being executed in their areas on a real time basis on EMPOWERMENT portal.
CS also reiterated that the government has zero tolerance against any kind of irregularity in any recruitment process undertaken by any recruiting agency of the J&K Government. He assured that the confidence of our youth in these institutions is paramount for the administration and it would be safeguarded at any cost to ensure that the government jobs are acquired by deserving candidates on merit only.
Some of the main topics which came under discussion during this day-long workshop includes Role of GST as a fulcrum of J&K’s Own Tax Revenues, People’s participation through EMPOWERMENT/ JANBAGHIDARI, E-Audit and performance auditing, PFMS and CNA/SNA Module, Introduction of IT in GP Fund, Co-relation between Finance and Investigations, and Digital Payments & DBT.

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#Govt #Brought #Greater #Transparency #Accountability #Financial #System
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

May 3, 2023
UT Leads In Achieving 75 Amrit Sarovars In Each District: CS

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta expressed confidence that India is more than capable of achieving its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2070 and said that it is high time we shifted away from fossil fuels and made alternate sources our main energy providers.
He was speaking at a workshop organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee here at the Convention Centre.
The interactive workshop on ‘Climate Change Mitigation and Green Financing for a Climate Resilient and Carbon Neutral J&K’ was attended by Dr.Mohit Gera, PCCF (HoFF), J&K Forest Department and Chairman, J&K Pollution Control Committee; Dr. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University, Kashmir; HoDs of Forest Department, Dr. Ravindranath, renowned IPCC Author, and resource persons from MoEFCC, TERI, Earnest and Young Climate, World Resources Institute of India besides other eminent guests and environment experts.
Dr Mehta appreciated the efforts of the Pollution Control Committee and Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department for organizing deliberations on Net Zero Carbon by 2070. He informed that J&K has already made a model by developing a climate resilient and carbon neutral Panchayat of village Palliin District Samba which is first of its kind in the country.
According to Dr Mehta, Jammu & Kashmir has always been at the forefront of adopting flagship developmental schemes of the government.
‘The distinction of implementing the 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district amongst first in the entire country is a good example of how well J&K can adapt to the needs of the times with cooperation from its citizens. Similarly, schemes like “Har Gaon Hariyali”, “One Beat Guard, One village Program”, “Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan” have been very effective in building in resilience and adaptation at village level.
J&K has been a leader in adopting transformative steps in the overhaul of sports, agriculture, and tourism sectors in recent years. The Chief Secretary stated that we are planting more trees every year than ever before and this year over one and half crore trees are going to be planted again all over J&K.
In terms of health infrastructure, Jammu & Kashmir ranks among the leading states of India. The Har Ghar Nal Se Jal scheme will also be fully implemented by the end of this financial year, he continued. The scheme aims to mitigate water supply challenges for the coming 50 years at least, in view of climate change.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of communicating climate change adaptation measures to the masses in a way that creates a genuine connection with them. To achieve this goal, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to communicate with the public at all levels, including panchayats, in ways that creates public ownership.
The CS stressed that what is good for the environment is invariably good for the economy and society and underlined that infrastructure development of the states should not hamper our climate change mitigation steps.
Also, the Chief Secretary urged the environmental experts present to work out environmental plans for Jammu & Kashmir for timely intervention on behalf of the UT administration. The Chief Secretary expressed hope that J&K will continue taking a lead in India’s fight against climate change even in the years ahead.

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#Leads #Achieving #Amrit #Sarovars #District
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 26, 2023
CS Addresses Industry Grievances; Calls For Regular Interaction Between Industry, Government

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired an interactive session with entrepreneurs and investors at the Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was aimed at addressing the issues and concerns faced by the industrial sector in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, several important issues were raised and discussed, including land use and allotment, infrastructure development, power, departmental clearances, legal issues, and other related concerns. Chief Secretary assured the participants of full support from the UT government and issued appropriate directions to resolve several issues.
The session also highlighted the hand-holding measures and incentives being provided to the industries in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Mehta assured that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway would shortly be set open for round the year traffic thereby resolving several logistical issues faced by industries. He assured the industrialists from the Kashmir region that the government would take necessary steps to ensure that trucks carrying perishable items are able to move to their destinations smoothly without undue hindrances.
Chief Secretary called for conducting similar meetings every month to address the grievances of the industries in the UT.
Besides industrialists, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Prashant Goyal; Principal Secretary Power Development, H Rajesh Prasad; Secretary Revenue, Dr Piyush Singhla; Managing Director, JPDCL, Shiv Anant Tayal; MD KPDCL, Ch Mohd Yasin; Managing Director, SIDCO/SICOP and Senior Officers from Jammu and Kashmir provinces, virtually and in person

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#Addresses #Industry #Grievances #Calls #Regular #Interaction #Industry #Government

( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 25, 2023
G-20 Summit: CS Conducts City Tour; Directs For Accelerating Pace Of Work

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SRINAGAR: In order to take stock of developmental works being carried out in view of hosting G-20 at Srinagar and preparations for Eid-ul-Fitr, the Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Thursday conducted an extensive tour of the Srinagar city to make on spot appraisal of ongoing developmental works.
The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Commissioner SMC & CEO Srinagar Smart City; VC Lakes Conservation and Management Authority; Chief Engineer Srinagar Smart City Ltd and other officers from line departments besides from Police and Traffic departments.
During the tour, the Chief Secretary visited IG Road, Jhelum Riverfront Development Project, Residency Road, Maulana Azad Road, Gupkar Junction, Boulevard Footpath, Nishat Garden precinct, Northern Foreshore Road including cycle track, Shalimar Canal and DargahHazratbal Shrine.
Dr Mehta while taking stock of the works carried out at all these locations directed the concerned officers to further accelerate the pace of work and ensure completion of all these projects within fixed deadlines.
He also directed to make all necessary arrangements for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr festival including sanitation, cleaning, traffic management etc.
Reviewing the progress of Dal Lake cleansing at Nishat precinct, the Chief Secretary directed the VC, LC&MA to expedite the Houseboat sewerage connections and cleanliness of remaining patches of Dal with special focus on shoreline. He also directed him to start water sports activities in Hazratbal basin by 15th of May.
The VC, LC&MA apprised the Chief Secretary that the EOI is being floated by I&FC and Tourism Departments shortly. He further revealed that the activities identified for water sports include Waterpark, Jet skies, Zorbing balls, Parasailing etc.
Later, Dr Mehta visited Hazratbal Shrine where he gave necessary directions to the concerned officers for face-lifting of compound wall and other make-over works for the comfort of the devotees.

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#G20 #Summit #Conducts #City #Tour #Directs #Accelerating #Pace #Work
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 20, 2023
Chief Secretary Calls For Third-Party Audit Of JK Minerals To Boost Its Performance, Generate Employment

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta while chairing the 175th board meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd, emphasised over the need for a third-party audit to evaluate the performance of the corporation’s mines.
He stated that the audit would assess whether the mines are operating at their optimal condition and determine if there is potential to generate more employment within these mining facilities.
Dr Mehta also called for the development of a mining plan, with expert consultation, to increase the output of the Kalakote coal mines.
The Chief Secretary urged upon the Corporation that all of their activities should aim at boosting the economy of Jammu & Kashmir. He commended the corporation’s financial records over the past three years and suggested holding quarterly meetings for better coordination and implementation of decisions.
During the meeting, the Board unanimously agreed that in order to avail the funding under NMET (National Mineral Exploration Trust), J&K Minerals Limited shall surrender the Lease Hold Rights of Sapphire Mine so that Ministry of Mines can take up the work.
Furthermore, the Board approved e-Auction of rough sapphire to promote transparency.
The Board members in attendance included Secretary Planning Development & Monitoring, Dr Raghav Langer; Secretary Mining, Amit Sharma; Director, Geology & Mining, OP Bhagat; Managing Director, JKML, Vikram Gupta; DG Codes, SL Pandita besides officers from other concerned Departments

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#Chief #Secretary #Calls #ThirdParty #Audit #Minerals #Boost #Performance #Generate #Employment
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 18, 2023
No Need To Panic Over Current Spike In Covid Cases: Experts to CS

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SRINAGAR: In a meeting, health experts on Tuesday assured Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta that there is no need to panic in view of little spike in Covid-19 cases reported across the UT recently.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Health; Director SKIMS; Principals of Medical Colleges and Heads of Medicine and Microbiology of Medical Colleges; Directors of Health Services Kashmir/Jammu besides other experts from the Medical field.
Dr Mehta enjoined upon all these health experts to take all the necessary measures to tackle any issues that may arise full, an official spokesman in a statement said.
Mehta asked them to perform the precautionary testing of individuals as per the set protocols and not to resort to either under testing or over testing in the health facilities. He impressed upon them to create ample awareness among public so that no unnecessary scare was created among them.
The Chief Secretary also emphasised on taking stock of medicines and other paraphernalia beforehand so that people are served better. He asked the department to give booster doses to the vulnerable groups like elderly and persons with comorbidity. He also directed them for encouraging people to observe the Covid appropriate behavior for safety of all.
On the occasion the Chief Secretary directed for constituting a three member committee under Director SKIMS with Principals of Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Srinagar as members for working out a standard protocol for treatment of patients across the health facilities of J&K for various ailments.
He also urged the committee to look into the reasons of high rate of C-section births in the UT and advised them to suggest the corrective measures to address this issue.
He further asked them to frame a mechanism in consonance with the hospitals in other regions regarding a policy for taking off days in lieu of night duty and working of medics. He also asked the Department to ensure that various wings in all hospitals must follow an inclusive approach with respect to all doctors working in the wing for ensuring equitable opportunities and due process of consultations in management of patients.

The Secretary Health informed the meeting that currently there is no ICU bed occupancy related to covid in the health facilities of the UT. He made out that the testing capacity of J&K has been augmented by many folds. He made out that the full Genome Sequencing facility has been started at SKIMS recently and other at GMC Jammu shall be started soon. He also revealed that every sample of a positive person is sent for its genome analysis as per the GoI guidelines.
The Secretary apprised the meeting that Mock Drills were conducted in 162 health facilities across the UT on 10th April to ensure Operational Readiness for management of COVID at all identified dedicated facilities including GMCs/ DHs and CHCs with specific focus on Oxygen Plants (LMO/ PSA/ Manifold), Ventilators, Logistics & Human Resources.
He said that the covid vaccination doses given in the age groups of 18 years & Above, 15-17 years and 12-14 years in the UT are above that of the National Average which was quiet encouraging. He ascertained that there is no reason to worry and only caution can evade its possible implications.
Moreover the health experts also gave their suggestions regarding the current scenario and preparedness of J&K UT. They informed that the virus is not so lethal this time although the spread may be faster. They advised people to only take precautions so that they keep themselves safe as well as others.
It was revealed that J&K has identified around 3000 Covid beds, 1966 isolation beds, and 330 ICU beds in its hospitals. It has a capacity to generate 1,14,366 LPM of oxygen from its 154 plants. The UT also has 4 CBNAAT, 15 TRUENAT labs in its hospitals to generate tests more accurately and expeditiously.

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#Panic #Current #Spike #Covid #Cases #Experts
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 12, 2023
CS Emphasizes On Digital DPRs and Billing Of All Works Under OMMAS Only

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SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta Tuesday highlighted the need for introducing the Online Management and Monitoring System (OMMAS) for raising bills of all works under execution by different Departments such as Public Works Department, PDD, PHE etc throughout JK. He impressed on all the concerned Departments to look into their readiness within 15 days and decide about the timeframe to onboard themselves onto this online system of bill preparation, submission and monitoring.
Dr Mehta also directed formulation of DPRs in digital mode of all the projects to be taken up in the UT so that automated and hassle free checking can be introduced. He said that the digital DPRs will make the process of analysis easy and less cumbersome and shall bring about much needed efficiency. He also stressed on use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in gauging the efficiency and output of employees so that deadwoods are identified easily by the system.
On the occasion he also launched auto-appeal feature for 08 more online services offered by different Departments. The feature is going to auto escalate the appeals in case the services are not provided to the applicants within the time limits set under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).
Dr Mehta complimented the IT Department for integrating this vital feature in the digital services offered by these Departments to the citizens. He stressed upon need for integrating the Auto-appeal feature for all the designated 48 services offered over Service Plus immediately and rest of services by May 2023.
The Chief Secretary said that the auto-appeal feature for services related to everyday life of the people like birth and death certificates are critical for enhancing ease of living. He emphasized that benefits like old age and widow pension, scholarships under various social security schemes etc should also be included in the system without any delay.
He observed that this feature would act as a turning point in maintaining transparency and accountability in services to the public and eradicating corruption. He stated that auto escalation feature of online services is going to put an end to malpractices besides promoting fairness, a priority set by the current dispensation in all its affairs including offering of government employment and public contracts to its citizens on the basis of merit alone.
The Chief Secretary was apprised that with onboarding these 08 services, the total number of services with active auto-appeal feature has reached 22 in the UT. It was further said that the feature like auto-appeal is going to bring much greater transparency in these services in future as these would ensure their delivery as per the timeframe set for them under PSGA.
The Services which were today brought under the Auto-appeal system include issuance of unmarried/widow/divorce certificate; issuance of family income/property certificate for Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme; Issuance of Dependent Certificate; Issuance of Income Dependency Certificate; Issuance of OBC Certificate; Issuance of Street Vending/RehriLisence; Application for Road cutting permission under Municipal Corporations; and Application for Road cutting permission under Municipal Councils/Committees.

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#Emphasizes #Digital #DPRs #Billing #Works #OMMAS
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 12, 2023
Srinagar Would Have Never Looked Better: CS On Ongoing Works

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SRINAGAR: Stating that the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed massive changes from 2018 onwards in terms of development, Chief Secretary on Friday said that all the ongoing developmental works in Srinagar City will be completed on the given deadlines.
Talking to the reporters, Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta, said that the ongoing developmental projects will be completed on time in Srinagar City.
“Srinagar would have never looked better. Wait and watch what Srinagar is going to look like in May,” he said while replying to a query.
“We understand that in the real world all timelines are not adhered to on the particular day. The project gets completed day before or day after. But, in 2018-19, only 9200 works were completed and this year around 90,000 works are being completed. That’s the kind of change J&K has witnessed,” he said.
Pertinently, the Srinagar city, especially the commercial Hub Lal Chowk is witnessing several developmental works and the government has claimed that all the projects will be completed on April 15.
The developmental works are being carried out under the much-hyped Smart City project.

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#Srinagar #Looked #Ongoing #Works

( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

April 8, 2023