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Tag: chief secretary

  • Will Take Appropriate Steps If Need Arises: Chief Secretary On Covid-19

    Will Take Appropriate Steps If Need Arises: Chief Secretary On Covid-19

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    SRINAGAR: There is no need to panic about Covid-19 in J&K and if need arises, appropriate steps will be taken in time, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta said on Friday.

    While talking to reporters on the side-lines of World Health Day event in Srinagar, Kumar said that there is no need to panic and appropriate steps will be taken as the administration has been very successful in managing the previous waves of Covid-19.

    “People should have complete confidence that whenever need arises all possible steps will be taken. But at the moment there is no need to worry,” he said. “We by and large meet the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). We will analyze what are the gaps and very shortly we will complete all the gaps. At present by and large we are very comfortable,” the CS said.

    Bhupinder Kumar Health and Medical Education Secretary, JK, while talking to reporters said that since past few weeks a rising trend of Covid-19 cases has been reported in J&K and around 230 cases are active.  But just 12 are hospitalized across J&K,” he said.

    “As per government guidelines, testing rate has been increased and all patients having symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory distress are being tested. Cases are on rise but hospitalization is not much,” he said.

    He said it is an Omicron variant known as XBB.1.16 that is prevalent in society at present. “Most of the cases in the country are because of this variant,” he said, adding that the genome sequencing lab has been made operational at SKIMS Soura and genome sequencing is now being done here.

    He said that there is no need to panic as the situation in last three years was handled well by theml. “We have a trained staff and hospitals are also very well equipped,” the Secretary Health and Medical Education said.

    He said that mock drills in the hospitals are being conducted to ensure operational readiness for management of Covid with specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources on April 10 and 11 and gaps are also being filled.

    Kumar said that that all persons having symptoms must report as early detection helps in proper management and if it is reported late, then sometimes it leads to difficulties.

    He said that situation is very much under control but people shouldn’t lower guard but follow covid appropriate behaviour. (KNO)

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    #Steps #Arises #Chief #Secretary #Covid19

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Growth Vibrant: CS

    Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Growth Vibrant: CS

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    SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta , Friday released the Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT, a document presenting the elaborate picture of the economy of JK for the closing financial year.

    The document was prepared by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning Development & Monitoring Department.

    Chief Secretary observed that the document is vital in gauging the progress made by the UT. He also called the document a true account of what we have achieved during the financial year.

    He said that the survey presents a fine picture of our economic trajectory which is encouraging for all of us. He remarked that the yearly economic growth of the UT is a notch higher than National average which shows that approach we have adopted during last few years is working well for the economy.

    The Survey reports that J&K is expected to grow at 8 per cent as against 7 per cent at National level during 2022-23 at Constant Prices. At Current Prices, GSDP of J&K is expected to record a growth of 15% which is at par with National level. Economy of J&K grew faster than the national average in recent years.

    It further stated the GSDP is likely to be doubled in the next five years with emphasis on service sector, industries, agriculture, horticulture and tourism. UT Revenue Performance (Tax plus Non-Tax) is expected to double during current year.

    The Survey has also applauded the time bound policies, action plans and development strategies being implemented to carry forward and sustain the positive environment and momentum of economic development. It also talks about various reforms initiated for good governance and transparency which includes, IT enabled innovations in administration like Janbhagidari, E-stamping, PaySys, BEAMS, eHRMS, e-GRAS, e-office, GST which are more secure, cheaper, efficient, time saving and reliable compared to the previous systems.

    Besides the document brings forth the unique reformative initiatives like District Good Governance Index, Aspirational Blocks Development Programme, Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, and Aspirational Towns Programme rolled out first time in the country.

    It also discusses the prime ranking of J&K it got in different parameters of registering growth and development. Be it the Ist rank among the UTs in its e-office uptake in almost 400 offices with disposal rate of 97 %, first rank among UT’s in Renewable Energy Development, Ist rank among the UTs in registration coverage under e-SHRAM, Ist rank among the UTs in issuance of SWAMITVA Cards, 2nd rank in Nasha Mukt Abhaan, 2nd rank in performance under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav, 3rd rank at all India level in terms of total road length constructed under PMGSY, 4th rank in incremental progress of SDG, or 5th rank in reducing regulatory compliances burden under ease of doing business at All India Level.

    In terms of achievements it makes out that the road network is extended to all the habitations with population over 250 persons as per 2001 census, facilitating growth and development across the UT. World class National highways, expressways, tunnels, bridges, flyovers, ring roads are coming up. J&K’s Rail link is expected to be connected to All India during 2023. Airports are also being upgraded. The Urban development is also high on agenda, smart city projects are being implemented in the capital cities of the UT,the Survey presents.

    Regarding power generation capacity it says the same is likely to be doubled in 4 years and tripled in next 8 years. The response of people to the outreach programmes like My Town My Pride (MTMP) and Back to Village Four (B2V4) was also highlighted  in this report.

    In education sector the indicators have shown notable improvement as per the survey. Adoption of National Education Policy 2020 and the J&K Education Investment Policy 2020 has set in new challenging targets for J&K. Quality education with provision of skill and research has been introduced at higher education level. The youth of J&K are being motivated to attain higher levels of expertise in productive skills and sports sectors, as per the report.

    As far as the Tourism sector is concerned, it says that J&K is developing 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage/cultural sites, 75 sufism/religious sites & 75 adventure treks/sites attracting potential for all the four seasons in the areas of nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, sports etc.  More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure (water sports, Rafting, Rock climbing, Snow parks) etc and entertainment are being explored to attract more tourists.

    Empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions is proving game changer as per this Survey. The centrally sponsored flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM(G) being implemented are rejuvenating the rural landscape of J&K. It further goes on to say that SBM(G) has brought J&K an open defecation free status by providing IHHLs to 1952 villages. Under PMAY(G) 30381 families (1.14 Lakhs cumulative) were provided financial assistance for construction of Pucca houses besides numerous water bodies were rejuvenated under AmritSarovars scheme.

    With respect to empowerment of women, the beneficiary oriented schemes are helping women in realising better lives for them and their families. UT envisions achieving Sustainable Integrated Development focusing on Connectivity, Eco-friendly Modern Infrastructure to meet people’s expectations with Transparent Governance over next 25 years. Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture and Power clubbed with Improved Infrastructure, Connectivity, Logistics, better Health and Education facilities, Digital Governance and effective Grievance Redressal Mechanisms shall be the core areas for realizing Vision 2047, suggests the Economic Survey 2022-23.

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    #Jammu #Kashmirs #Economic #Growth #Vibrant

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Raise Awareness About Judicious Use Of Electric Appliances: CS

    Raise Awareness About Judicious Use Of Electric Appliances: CS

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    SRINAGAR: In a bid to spread awareness among masses about the judicious use of electric appliances, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, in a high level meeting, impressed upon the officers of the Power Development Department (PDD) to run large scale campaign in this regard.

    Dr Mehta enjoined upon the officers to make the masses fully acquainted about the consumption of electricity by different electric appliances like ACs, water heaters, room heaters and other appliances so that they become aware about costs and use these gadgets judiciously.

    He asked them to use the power of our youth in changing the attitude of people by making them champions of change in the society.

    The Chief Secretary stated that losses suffered on power purchases exceed more than Rs 3500 Crore annually with previous liabilities piling up by each passing year. He reiterated that these resources belong to our people and should optimally be utilized in creation of jobs for youth or other welfare measures for the people of JK. He observed that people should be sensitized about the same through massive outreach campaign and this gap in power purchase and revenue realization should be minimized for the general good of masses particularly the educated youth of the UT.

    He further added that the overall AT&C losses should be brought down to less than 20% in the UT. He emphasised on having a proper mechanism to redress the grievances related to billing of consumers. He told them to fix Electric Division wise targets for demand side management.

    The Chief Secretary also emphasized on making the flat rates less attractive so that people prefer switching to metering of their power connections. He observed that most of the people are ready to pay for their consumption. The new mantra should be 100 percent payment and 100 percent electricity. He made out that people who clear their dues regularly deserve to be provided quality power round the clock.

    The Chief Secretary further exhorted upon the officers that the smart metering of all the urban areas of the UT should be completed by August this year. He asked them to establish dedicated enforcement teams in each circle to ensure proper monitoring and surveillance of the consumers.

    The Principal Secretary, PDD, Rajesh Prasad in his presentation stated that the Department has formulated plan to reduce AT&C losses to 41% from current 49% during the coming  financial year which would further be decreased to 20% till financial year 2025-26. He also stated   that the gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) for the year 2022-23 is Rs 1.79 which is going to be further minimized to Rs 1.60 in the next fiscal and to Rs 0.58 by 2025-26.

    He further apprised the meeting that the Department has conducted 166134 inspections in the UT thereby imposing a penalty of Rs 15.03 Cr and making 133534 disconnections of erring customers till February this year. In addition the Department has recovered Rs Rs 54.92 Cr in the shape of arrears from both domestic and commercial consumers.

    As far as bringing efficiency in distribution system is concerned, the Department is going to implement the projects worth Rs 5641 Cr sanctioned by GoI under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to install the Smart meters to the tune of Rs 1046.71 Cr and carry out other loss reduction works to the tune of Rs 4595.20 Cr. The completion of these projects are going to greatly reduce the AT&C losses further thereby making additional energy available to Department for providing 24×7 quality power supply to consumers across JK.

     

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    #Raise #Awareness #Judicious #Electric #Appliances

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • No Truck Halts At Nagrota And Qazigund: CS

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    SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Saturday impressed upon the traffic authorities to completely do away with the halting of trucks at Nagrota and Qazigund on Sgr-Jmu National Highway and instead let them ply smoothly without putting any forced halt to their movement either way between Jammu and Srinagar.

    Dr Mehta made these remarks in a meeting with different stakeholders called for reviewing the progress of construction of National Highways under Prime Minister Development Programme across the UT.

    In addition to the Principal Secretary, PWD the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Forest; Divisional Commissioners; concerned Deputy Commissioners; Representatives from NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, and many other concerned officers.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary stressed upon the executing agencies to complete all these road projects providing interconnectivity to different regions in the stipulated timeframe. He enjoined upon them that the significance of these roads is very high and deserves all efforts to be completed on time.

    He directed the concerned authorities to strictly stick to the timeline of completing the Expressway to Akhnoor in all respects by May this year so that the travel time to reach there gets reduced to half an hour

    Regarding the Delhi-Katra Expressway the Chief Secretary directed for continuing the momentum of work besides meeting timelines set for completing different sub-projects. He said that the work on such a prestigious project should be given due priority for completing it at the earliest.

    Dr Mehta also sensitized the executing agencies about the significance of Uri-Poonch Highway. He told them that the work on this project should be taken in hand at the earliest so that it is also completed on time bringing respite to people besides providing alternate route between the two divisions of the UT.

    As far as the movement of traffic on National Highway is concerned the Chief Secretary directed for ensuring its smooth movement all across the road by properly maintaining the 6 kms difficult stretch between Ramban and Banihal. He advised them to use necessary  manpower  and machinery efficiently besides exploring few dry days for traffic to make the travel on this road pleasant and hassle free for all times to come.

    The Chief Secretary also took note of the work done on the Srinagar-Pulwama-Shopian-Kulgam Highway (NH-444). He stressed on completing the stretches near all the towns of Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama so that the road is complete before the onset of Tourism season this year. The highway is going to drastically reduce the time taken for traveling to and fro and to reach to Srinagar. He also took stock of the progress made in execution of Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri Highway, Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha- Khellani and Akhnoor-Poonch Highways and stressed on their early completion. (GNS)

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    #Truck #Halts #Nagrota #Qazigund

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • JK First In India To Start PSGA Auto-Appeal  For Online Services

    JK First In India To Start PSGA Auto-Appeal  For Online Services

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    SRINAGAR:  Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta launched the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) auto-appeal feature of few online services offered by Government Departments on Saturday.   The feature is going to auto escalate the appeals in case the services are not provided to the applicant with the time limit set under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).

    Calling the step revolutionary, Dr Mehta applauded the IT department for integrating this feature in the digital services offered by different departments to the citizens.

    With this move the UT of Jammu and Kashmir became the first in the country to integrate the auto-appeal feature to Service Plus platform.

    Dr Mehta urged the department to work for activating this feature for all the 445 services offered by the government to its citizens at an earliest and told them to prioritize those services that form the bulk of the applications.

    He advised for making the auto-appeal feature active for services related to the everyday life of the citizens like seeking of power/water connections, availing of documents like income, domicile, category, birth, death certificates and benefits like old age, widow pensions besides scholarships under various social security schemes etc.

    He observed that this feature would act as a turning point in maintaining the transparency and accountability in services to the public. He maintained that this attribute in online services is going to be the landmark in eradicating corruption and malpractices.

    Auto appeal is going to bring a greater transparency in these services in future as  it would ensure their delivery as per the timeframe set for them under PSGA and fixing of responsibility on part of any officer/official for any undue delay.

    It was evident from the reports generated on service portal e-UNNAT (Jan sugam) that more than 90% of services are being delivered to public within stipulated time.

    Moreover, the rejection rate of applications is very low at around 5% only with provision of giving feedback by the applicants through Rapid Assessment System (RAS) about their satisfaction level while availing such services.

    The data also corroborates this change in the nature of offering and delivering government services to the citizens of the UT. The data shows that some 7,89,008 certificates have been delivered to public in the time frame set under Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).

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    #India #Start #PSGA #AutoAppeal #Online #Services

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

  • Srinagar City To Get A Massive Face Lift Under Smart City Mission: CS Mehta

    Srinagar City To Get A Massive Face Lift Under Smart City Mission: CS Mehta

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    SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta Monday had a whirlwind tour of Srinagar City. He took on-spot assessment of different developmental works taken up under  Smart City and by other executing agencies around the city and also fixed the timeline for completion of each.

    Chief Secretary was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Commissioner, SMC, VC, LCMA, and many other concerned officers of Police and Civil administration.

    Dr Mehta observed that the city is going to change for better by mid April this year. He said that the city is going to change its outlook altogether with the completion of these projects at different stages of execution presently. He further added that these works would give a massive facelift to the city thereby enhancing its appeal for all the residents and tourists.

    The Chief Secretary visited different project sites under Smart City Mission. He took stock of the progress of work on each of them and passed on several directions for their early completion. He stressed on timely completion of all these works in the wake upcoming tourist session.

    While taking on-spot assessment of the Jhelum River front development the Chief Secretary enjoined upon the officers to complete the work by 15th of April. He asked them to develop the footpath including its finishing, cycle track, green spaces, landscaping and undergrounding of electrical cables etc forthwith. The project is to be completed at a cost of Rs 32.50 Cr.

    At Polo View, the Chief Secretary emphasized on making the entire area aesthetically appealing adopting an integrated approach. He asked for facade improvement of adjoining buildings and carry out other beautification works simultaneously. The work also includes laying of PQC along polo view tube, macadamisation of new Polo View Road, Construction of office cum toilet block, fencing by iron grill panels, rationalization of utilities, laying of quality tiles and stones and creating seating arrangement around chinar trees besides landscaping of the area.

    On visit to Dal Lake, Dr Mehta inspected the work of lake front development along Northern Foreshore Road of the Lake from Nishat to Naseem Bagh including pedestrian walkway and  urged the authorities to ensure its completion by 15th of April this year. He also instructed for completing the lighting of Western Fore Shore Road by 15th of March itself.

    The Chief Secretary highlighted the need for connecting all the houseboats with the STPs. He directed for utilizing the 36 MLD capacity of Sewage Treatment optimally and connect all the 900 houseboats in the lake with the Sewage lines. He asked them to divert the residual to oxidation ponds out of the 48 MLD produced daily.

    He exhorted upon the concerned to start the motorboats to commence their cruise and initiate water sports activities in the lake by 15th of March. He asked them to repair all the Jetties and segregate them from the ones for motor boats. He told the Culture Department to start their activities full throttle at 5-Chinar by 15th of March and turn Pratap Park in the heart of the civil lines of the city into a culture centre.

    The Chief Secretary also examined the works for upgradation and redevelopment of Nishat Bagh precinct including allied road works, pathways, plaza, wooden deck and landscaping of its surroundings. He also reviewed redevelopment of Residency Road including construction of underground utilities and improvement and upgradation of Maulana Azad Road. He made out that all these road stretches are very vital as these lead to city centre. He underscored the need for completing all these developmental works by April.

    Regarding other works he instructed for ornamental plantations on road medians, painting of grills/kerbs, improvement of Dal Gate and Gupkar junctions, erection of around 1500 lights in the lanes and bye-lanes, erection of view cutter on all fly overs, sprucing-up of Iqbal Park, Boundary wall of Hazratbal shrine, Macdamization of city roads and the parking lot near Lal-Ded Hospital before April.

    He also urged all the departments to carryout improvement, distempering, painting, focus lighting etc. of their buildings and sprucing up of green areas within their jurisdiction by the scheduled time. He further directed for making functional all the billboards in and around the city with banners relating to 38 new tourist & trekking destinations, heritage sites, Sufi shrines by the end of March.

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    #Srinagar #City #Massive #Face #Lift #Smart #City #Mission #Mehta

    ( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )