Articles by "SAMBA"
Showing posts with label SAMBA. Show all posts


 Volleyball matches held at 15 locations to promote Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

SAMBA, APRIL 12: Samba district transformed into a battlefield against substance abuse today as volleyball nets rose across 15 strategically selected locations, bringing together hundreds of youth in a powerful demonstration against drug addiction under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The district-wide initiative, orchestrated by the Samba Administration in partnership with the Social Welfare Department and Youth Services & Sports, succeeded in its dual mission of promoting athletic excellence while delivering a decisive message against the drug abuse.

The match organised at Govt. Middle School Gudwal, Vijaypur, was   inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, who applauded the enthusiasm of the players and collaborative efforts of the organizers. "What we witnessed today wasn't just a sporting event but a social revolution happening through sports," said a district official present at one of the venues.

The synchronized volleyball matches created a festival-like atmosphere across Samba, with each court becoming a center for positive engagement. Alongside the athletic competition, participants and spectators received educational materials detailing the devastating effects of substance abuse and available support resources.

The day culminated in an emotional ceremony where winners received their accolades and all participants—players and spectators alike—took a solemn pledge to maintain Samba's momentum toward becoming completely drug-free.

This initiative stands as part of Samba's ongoing comprehensive strategy to combat substance abuse through positive alternatives and community mobilisation.

 


SAMBA, APRIL 10:  District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma today reviewed the implementation and progress achieved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) here at a meeting held in the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.

At the outset, Chief Agriculture Officer S. Madan Gopal Singh and Sectoral heads provided a comprehensive update on the progress achieved under HADP across their respective departments.

Speaking at the meeting, the DDC urged the officers to intensify efforts to reach out to farmers, ensuring their maximum participation in HADP initiatives. He emphasized the optimal utilization of available resources to achieve tangible results.

The DDC also directed the Agriculture and Allied Departments to strengthen beneficiary tracking through the Kisan Sathi Output Tracking App (KSOT) and ensure the registration of maximum farmers on the Kisan Kendra Ghar (KKG) Portal.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Samba, Champa Devi; Chief Horticulture Officer Samba; District Sheep Husbandry Officer Samba; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Samba & others.

 


SAMBA, APRIL 08: The NSS Unit "Prabha" of Government Degree College, Ramgarh organized a documentary screening to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a beacon of knowledge and social justice.

The event was conducted under the esteemed guidance of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Meeru Abrol, who encouraged the volunteers to follow the path of knowledge, equality, and justice as envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar. The activity was coordinated by Prof. Brahm Dutt, NSS Programme Officer, who highlighted the importance of educating students about Dr. Ambedkar's life, struggles, and contributions to the nation.

The screening aimed to instill in students the values of social equality, justice, and constitutional rights, and saw active participation from NSS volunteers. All faculty members of the college  attended the event.

 


SAMBA, MARCH 16: The much-anticipated final match of the Samba Premier T-20 Cup, organized jointly by the District Administration Samba and the Excise Department, concluded with an impressive victory of Samba 11 over District Administration Samba here at the Rani Suchet Singh Sports Stadium.

In the presence of District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma and Excise and Taxation Officer Anil Chandan, the match began on an exciting note. The atmosphere was charged with energy as both teams displayed remarkable skills and determination, making it a thrilling contest.

Batting first, Samba 11 posted a competitive total of 163/8 in 20 Overs. In response, District Administration Samba, led by Captain Abhishek Sambyal, fought hard but managed 141/9 in the allotted Overs, falling short of 22 runs despite a spirited effort.

Anku from Samba 11 emerged as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring a quick 49 runs off 26 balls and taking 1 wicket for 39 runs in his 4 overs.

After the match, DC Samba felicitated the players with trophies and praised their exceptional performances.

Later, DM Samba addressed the players and spectators with a strong message of "Say No to Drugs." He encouraged everyone to focus on fitness and sports, highlighting the importance of staying healthy and motivated. He assured that such tournaments will be organized on regular intervals in the district to promote a positive and active lifestyle.

The match was also attended by Tehsildar, DIO, former cricketer Surinder Bagal along with other concerned officers and local spectators, adding to the lively atmosphere of the event.

 


SAMBA, MARCH 1: District Development Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma on Saturday launched the Clean Samba Initiative on a pilot basis at Panchayat Bhaderi, promoting waste segregation at source and creation of wealth from waste. As part of the initiative, dustbins were distributed to help locals efficiently manage and recycle waste.

The launch event was attended by DDC Member Ramesh and ACP Nar Singh Dayal Verma, along with the District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer, officials from the Municipal Committee and a large gathering of locals.

Speaking on the occasion, District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, emphasized the need for scientific waste disposal and highlighted that this is a total green initiative, where battery-operated autos will be used for waste collection and organic waste will be converted into manure. He further stated that this is the first-of-its-kind effort in Samba, bringing together municipal bodies and panchayats under a convergence model for effective implementation.

The Clean Samba Initiative will soon expand to other areas of the district, aiming for 100% waste management coverage. The distribution drive will be followed by an awareness campaign, where a resource person will educate locals on proper waste segregation and disposal.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 27: The NSS unit “Prabha” of Government Degree College, Ramgarh on Thursday started its 7 day Special Winter Camp on the theme “Women empowerment.” The camp began with a fervent inauguration ceremony initiated by the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra.

The camp aims to provide an opportunity to the NSS volunteers to engage in social service activities such as community outreach and environmental conservation. 

Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra formally welcomed the resource person, Dr. Kailash Sharma, NSS Programme Officer of Government MAM PG College, Jammu, faculty members and the enthusiastic NSS volunteers. In her address, Prof. Andotra emphasized the core values of NSS, encouraging students to take part in the winter camp and embrace the spirit of social service. Quoting the NSS motto, “Not Me But You,” she highlighted the importance of working for the upliftment and betterment of society. She further stressed the need to develop empathy and compassion while participating in outreach programs and various community-driven activities, both within the college and in surrounding areas.

Dr. Kailash Sharma shared valuable insights into the significance of NSS and its role in nation-building. He explained the meaning behind the NSS logo, detailing the importance of its colors and lines. Dr. Sharma also gave a brief history of how NSS started in India and inspired the volunteers with a quote by Swami Vivekananda: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved." To motivate the students, he concluded with a shlok, Kaag Chesta (efforts should be similar to a crow), Bako Dhyanam (concentration of a swan), Shwan Nindra (light sleeper like a dog), Alp-ahari (light eater), Grih Tyagi (less involvement in home matters).

Prof. Brham Dutt, NSS Programme Officer coordinated the event along with the support of faculty members including Dr. Aditi Khajuria,  Ashok Kumar, Dr. Shivali Panjgotra, Dr. Neeraj, Dr. Susheel Kumar,  Anjali, Priya Sharma,  Sayema and  Darpan Malhotra.  Alisha, a NSS Volunteer, outlined the comprehensive schedule of activities planned for the camp, setting the stage for an enriching experience ahead.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by NSS volunteer, Jagmeet Kaur, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, volunteers and the faculty for making the event a grand success.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 21: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma  today chaired a high-level meeting at the District Administrative Complex  to review the arrangements for the smooth conduct of   the forthcoming Maha Shivratri festival.

The meeting focused on ensuring seamless coordination among departments to facilitate devotees and maintain law and order.

Deputy Commissioner Sharma directed the concerned officials to ensure adequate water and power supply, proper sanitation, efficient traffic management and medical aid facilities at key religious sites. Special emphasis was laid on illuminating temples and surrounding areas to enhance the festive spirit and ensure the safety of devotees.

The Tourism Department was instructed to provide necessary facilities for visiting pilgrims, while law enforcement agencies were asked to strengthen security arrangements and manage crowd control effectively.

The DC urged all stakeholders to work proactively and address any last-minute issues to ensure a peaceful and joyous Maha Shivratri celebration for devotees.

Senior officers including Additional District Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and officers from various departments including Police, PWD (R&B), Health, Fire & Emergency Services, PHE, PDD, Municipality and Tourism among others participated in the discussions.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 21: A Capacity Building workshop on Digital Literacy and Virtual Hub was conducted today for Science Teachers here at Panchayat Ghar Palli in Block Bari Brahmana.

The program was organized under the Village Development Plan of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY by the JKSTIC (Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council), in collaboration with the Rural Development Department.

The training featured insightful guest lectures by Dr. Shubnandan Jamwal, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and IT and Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Deputy Director (Technical), NIELIT Jammu. They provided in-depth sessions on digital literacy, virtual learning platforms, and the role of technology in modern education.

Additionally, they educated participants on the phishing attacks, cyber security measures, and the rising number of cyber scams occurring in India, emphasizing the importance of online safety and digital awareness among educators.

While the training promoted the integration of technology in education, experts also discussed the downsides of excessive technology use. To counter these challenges, participants were encouraged to adopt digital well-being practices, such as balancing screen time, using technology mindfully, and promoting offline activities for holistic learning.

The Guest of Honour, Shruti Khanna, District Coordinator, JKSTIC, Department of Science and Technology, highlighted the significance of digital transformation in education, particularly in rural areas.

Science teachers from Govt. High School Palli, Govt. Middle School Palli, Govt. Higher Secondary School Birpur, Govt. High School Bari Brahmana, Govt. Middle School Bari Brahmana and Govt. Primary School Teli Basti actively participated in the program, gaining hands-on experience with various e-learning tools and innovative teaching methodologies. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of promoting digital empowerment in rural areas, ensuring that educators can effectively leverage technology to enhance the learning experience.

The event concluded with an interactive session, where participants sharing their experiences and the need for more such training programs to enhance their digital competencies and awareness of cyber security threats.

 


SAMBA, FEBRUARY 18: The District Administration Samba has disbursed Rs 48.38 Lakh (Forty Eight Lakh Thirty Eight Thousand and One hundred) under different schemes of J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

As per Assistant Labour Commissioner, Himani Jerath the amount has been disbursed among 800 registered construction workers (Card holders) by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma under different schemes of J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

At the event, the Deputy Commissioner impressed upon the workers   engaged in any construction activity in district Samba to enroll for the scheme and avail all benefits which is provided by the construction workers Board, JKBOCWWB.


SAMBA, FEBRUARY 18: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma, today inaugurated the Samba Premier T20 Cup at Rani Suchet Singh Stadium, marking the beginning of an exciting cricketing event aimed at youth engagement and social transformation.

Organized by the District Administration Samba in collaboration with the Excise Department, the tournament features 16 teams and more than 200 young cricketers from across the district.

DC Rajesh Sharma kicked off the event by tossing for the inaugural match and interacting with the players.

"This tournament is more than just a game; it's a step towards channeling youth energy into positive pursuits. Sports foster discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle, helping us build a stronger community," said the DC.

As part of the district’s initiative to combat drug abuse and promote sports culture, the tournament sets a precedent for future events encouraging youth participation.

The inauguration was attended by ADC Jagdish Singh, along with other district officers.


 SAMBA, JANUARY 30: Additional Deputy Commissioner Samba, Jagdish Singh, today chaired the district-level committee meeting under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) here at the DC Office. The meeting focused on reviewing and reinforcing measures to curb drug abuse and illicit narcotic trade in the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional SP Samba Garu Ram, Chief Education Officer, SDM Vijaypur and Ghagwal, GM DIC, Chief Medical Officer, Tehsildars, district officers and other concerned officials.

Discussions centered on countering drug abuse, identifying high-risk areas and reviewing the action taken on directives from the previous NCORD meeting. Stressing the need for a comprehensive approach, the ADC directed all stakeholders to conduct awareness drives in schools, colleges, and communities, ensuring active involvement of parents to protect the youth from substance abuse.

The ADC further underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement efforts, urging agencies to intensify vigilance against drug trafficking. He asked district officers to submit a monthly progress report for the compilation of a coffee table book, documenting the administration's anti-drug initiatives.

In a significant move to curb the misuse of prescription drugs, the CCTV cameras have been installed in medical shops across the district. Additionally, officers were directed to hold regular sub-divisional meetings, install awareness signboards in Nasha Mukt Panchayats and conduct random checks on medical stores to enforce computerized billing.

 


Samba, 24th January, 2024- In a significant advancement in patient care, District Hospital Samba successfully treated a patient with a history of foreign body ingestion.

The procedure was expertly conducted by Dr. Deepshikha, who performed a 70-degree endoscopy. During this examination, the foreign body was successfully visualized and subsequently removed under general anesthesia by Dr. Anuradha Bali and Dr. Deepshikha Sumbria with the skilled assistance of Vijay Kumar, Senior OT Technician.

 

The surgery was overseen by Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohinder Kumar, with overall supervision provided by Dr. Rakesh Magotra, Director Health Services, Jammu. The Chief Medical Officer, Samba, Dr. Vidhi Bhatial, played a crucial role by offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the entire process.

 

This pioneering operation is expected to significantly benefit the residents of Samba by providing access to essential medical treatments that previously necessitated travel to Government Medical College, Jammu. With services such as endoscopic septoplasty and endoscopic tympanoplasty now available locally, patients can receive comprehensive ENT care without the burden of long-distance travel.

 

This successful intervention not only alleviated the patient's distress but also effectively reduced the potential for morbidity and the need for further referral to GMC Jammu for ongoing management. The dedicated team at DH Samba continues to demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality medical care to the community, ensuring that patients can access timely and effective treatment closer to home.


 SAMBA, JANUARY 24: Government Degree College Vijaypur organized a series of events to mark the celebration of 76th Anniversary of Indian Republic Day.

The NSS Unit (KHIDMAT)  organised ‘The Tiranga Rally’ under the aegis of “Nayi Chetna 3.0” and “Shikshit Bharat”.  

The Rally was flagged off by Principal of the College Dr. Vandana Verma. A large gathering of Faculty Members, NSS Volunteers and students joined in the celebrations.   The rally marched from the College campus to Patti village and concluded back on the campus.

Similarly, the Department of English of the College   organised slogan writing competition on the theme “Gender Equality: Breaking Stereotypes” under the aegis of “Nayi Chetna 3.0” and “Shikshit Bharat”.  

The students wrote meaningful slogans, conveying information regarding prevention and protection of women against sexual harassment both at workplace and homes and to ensure effective redressal of complaints of sexual harassment. The College Principal appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee and exhorted that these activities play a major role to raise awareness and educate the students about gender inequality.

First position was bagged by Ranjit Kaur of B.Sc. sem. 4; second position was secured by Mehak Sadotra of B.A sem. 6 and; third position was shared by Manvi Sharma and Muskan Sharma both of B. Sc. sem. 6

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Club of the College,  in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, organised a slogan writing competition centered around the theme "Be a Road Safety Hero."  

Nearly 20 Students showcased their creativity and understanding of road safety through compelling slogans, reflecting their commitment to becoming road safety heroes. 

The event fostered a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration, with participants exchanging ideas and learning from one another. 

The first position was clinched by Saharsh Dev Singh of B.Sc. Semester I and Second position was shared by Smriti Sharma of BA Semester II and Vishal Sharma of B.Sc. Semester IV, while third position was shared by Ranjit Kour of B.Sc. Semester IV and Palak Panotra of BA Semester IV.  


 SAMBA, JANUARY 23: The District Employment & Counseling Centre Samba successfully conducted a comprehensive Job Fair today, bringing together job seekers and prominent employers to address local employment challenges.

As many as 10 private companies including Jamkas Pharmaceuticals, Uflex Ltd, Kandhari Beverage Pvt Ltd, LIC, Guru Ji Placements, Agile Herbals participated in the fair. Over 300 job seekers registered for the event of which 62 candidates were shortlisted by participating companies

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma inaugurated the job fair and engaged with employers. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration of government departments and the private sector.

Assistant Director Employment Naresh Kumar encouraged youth participation and facilitated employer interactions.

Beyond job interviews, the event also provided crucial support to attendees including counselling on self-employment schemes including Mission YUVA, Mumkin, Tejeswini and Information about government-sponsored entrepreneurship programs. On-the-spot registration on the J&K state employment portal (http://jakemp.nic.in) was also provided.

The job fair acted as a significant step in connecting local talent with employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship in the region.

 


SAMBA, JANUARY 22: Directorate of Tribal Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir today organised a day long awareness-cum-educational camp on the welfare of tribals at Gujjar and Bakerwal Boys Hostel, Samba.

The aim of the camp was to bridge the gap between the government and the tribal people who are not fully aware of various government schemes.

Director Tribal Affairs, Ghulam Rasool who chaired the event said that in every sector including health, education, power and water supply, road connectivity, skill upgradation, etc special emphasis is being given to ensure that the benefits percolate to the deserving tribal communities.

Director impressed upon the concerned officers to work in a synergy mode for improving the educational and living standards of the tribal community with a particular focus on Pre & Post matric scholarship to the ST students, providing residential facility to the tribal students by way of establishing Hostels and other developmental schemes.

Director Tribal Affairs also inspected and reviewed the progress of various developmental projects and issued instructions for expeditious completion while maintaining the quality standards of the work.

Deputy Director Tribal Affairs, Mannu Hansa, Warden G&B Boys Hostel Samba , Rashid Alam and a large gathering of tribal leaders and other citizens of the adjoining tribal hamlets were present on the occasion.


 SAMBA, JANUARY 20: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma conducted a fortnightly inspection of the National Highway stretch from Bari Brahmana to Ghagwal to review ongoing construction works and ensure smooth traffic flow for public convenience. He was accompanied by SDMs, Tehsildars , Traffic Police officials, and officers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The DC directed the executing agencies to expedite the pace of work while prioritizing measures to prevent public inconvenience. He stressed the importance of maintaining regular traffic flow during construction activities and instructed the agencies to fill potholes and install proper signboards at diversions.

During the inspection, the progress of flyover bridge construction at key locations was assessed, and the agencies were asked to adhere to deadlines. The Deputy Commissioner formed Sub-Division level committees led by concerned officers to monitor construction progress and address issues faced by the public or the construction companies.

The DC reiterated that the administration’s primary goal is to ensure that commuters face no inconvenience and traffic movement remains uninterrupted. He urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively for the timely completion of the projects.

Published from Blogger Prime Android AppSAMBA, JANUARY 04: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma conducted an extensive tour of Block Sumb today, demonstrating the administration's commitment to grassroots governance and rural development.

The day-long tour commenced with the Deputy Commissioner's visit to the revered Baba Shivo Shrine, Goran, where he assessed the Shrine board's operations and management system.

Later, he chaired a pivotal block-level outreach programme, which served as a direct interface between the administration and local residents. Vice-Chairperson DDC   Balwan Singh was also present

DC Sharma directed departmental heads to implement targeted measures for public welfare. "Our focus is on creating tangible improvements in people's lives through coordinated administrative action," stated DC Sharma during the interactive session.

The outreach programme, organized by the Block Development Officer of Dr. Varnika Raj, saw active participation from key district officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner Samba  Jagdish Singh and. The administration placed special emphasis on three critical areas: enhancing road connectivity, accelerating infrastructure development, medical care, promoting agriculture and cattle welfare.

A notable highlight of the tour was the inspection of the Bamboo Common Facility Centre, where the Deputy Commissioner engaged with local artisans to understand their challenges and growth prospects.

The comprehensive tour reflects the administration's proactive approach in addressing rural development challenges and ensuring effective governance at the grassroots level.


 SAMBA, DECEMBER 19: Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma today inaugurated an awareness mela on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana here in the DC Complex Samba. The event, organized by Electric Sub Division Samba, ED-Vijaypur, aimed to promote rooftop solar installations and spread awareness about the scheme's benefits among local residents.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Singh; ACR , SDM Ghagwal, Chief Planning Officer Samba, Chief Education Officer and Executive Engineer JPDCL Vijaypur, along with other district officers and banking representatives.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the significance of rooftop solar installations and highlighted the various benefits available under the scheme. The DC also emphasized the crucial role of Common Service Centers (CSCs) in facilitating applications.

Executive Engineer, JPDCL ED-Vijaypur, conducted an interactive session addressing public queries regarding the scheme's implementation. He highlighted how the initiative would help reduce monthly electricity bills of consumers and announced plans to organize similar awareness camps across various blocks.

The mela witnessed participation from different stakeholders including J&K Bank representatives and CSC operators, making it a comprehensive platform for public engagement.



SAMBA, DECEMBER 16: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inspected the ongoing work on the bus terminal at Thandi Khui in Samba district.

Being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.53 crore by the Public Works department, the terminal has a capacity of accommodation 100 buses. It would cater to the inter district,  intra district buses coming from other states as well as providing a centre place to the commuters travelling to different areas of Jammu and Kashmir.


While interacting with the officials, the Deputy Chief Minister directed for speedy completion of the said project while strictly adhering to the set quality parameters. He said the ambitious project is of vital importance for connectivity of Samba and other districts of Jammu division.

"Officers should ensure early completion of the bus terminal and lacuna, if any, should be redressed within the shortest possible time, so that public gets benefitted from this initiative" , he maintained.

Chairs review meeting of Samba district

Holds public redressal camp, assures prompt resolution of genuine concerns


SAMBA, DECEMBER 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his government’s commitment to unbiased governance, emphasizing that decisions would not be influenced by political affiliations or party lines.

He urged officers to address public issues brought forth by elected representatives with seriousness and urgency. Chairing a district review meeting at the Conference Hall in Samba, the Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma.

The meeting was also attended by District Development Council chairperson Samba, Members of Legislative Assembly SS Slathia (Samba), Chander Prakash Ganga (Vijaypur), and Devinder Kumar Manyal (Ramgarh). Besides, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries, departmental heads, and other senior officers.

Highlighting the importance of responsive governance, the Chief Minister stated, “I urge all of you and your officers to address the public issues raised by MLAs with seriousness and urgency. They are elected representatives of the people, and it is natural for people to expect solutions through them. As I have always maintained, this government—or any government—should not make decisions based on the basis of political affiliations. We must prioritize whether a project holds public utility or a public issue benefits the people. If it does, it must be processed and dealt with without delay.”


Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the challenges faced by the administration this year, citing two major elections as key reasons for delayed developmental activities.

He remarked, “The Parliament elections stretched over a long period, and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct brought work to a halt. Even in some areas, where the work season coincided with the elections, progress was further delayed.”

Addressing the district-specific concerns, he urged the administration to expedite developmental activities, stating, “Accelerate the pace of work as much as possible, ensuring it is executed effectively at the ground level. Efforts must focus on completing the work satisfactorily.”

He also stressed the importance of timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs) for funds to be allocated by the central government. He said, “When we approach the central government repeatedly—whether to discuss with a minister or secure funds for Jammu and Kashmir—the common complaint is that UCs are not submitted on time. Prompt submission of UCs will ensure continuity of financial support and effective resource utilization.”

 Speaking on governance, CM Omar Abdullah noted the impact of the return of MLAs after 2018.

“With the return of MLAs, public expectations and pressures have significantly increased. This requires a coordinated effort to address the people’s demands effectively.”

Chief Minister took note of key issues raised during the meeting such as progress in respect of industrial estates, installation of smart meters. He directed immediate review and resolution of issues flagged by MLAs and concerns raised by MLAs to be verified.

 Calling drug addiction a growing menace over the past decade, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized coordinated efforts to curb its impact.

He remarked, “Despite securing international borders, the problem persists due to inflow from other areas.

Addressing this issue at its source is critical for our state.”

 The Chief Minister assured action, stating that the Dy CM has already directed the DC and officers to address the issue promptly.

 The Chief Minister also addressed critical infrastructure concerns, including delays in the Katra-Amritsar-Delhi Expressway project.

He urged officials to resolve land acquisition and other bottlenecks to keep the project on track. Touching on staffing issues, he expressed concern over vacancies in hospitals and schools due to the practice of staff attachments.

He directed officers to provide details of such cases so that corrective measures can be taken to fill posts in rural areas.

 The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of addressing public grievances raised by DDC members, MLAs, and civil society during the public outreach programme.

Other issues raised included drinking water supply, sanitation, regularization of daily wagers, upgradation of schools, establishment of colleges in remote areas, industrial policy, and shortage of staff in hospitals and schools.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, presented a detailed profile of the district, outlining targets and achievements across various departments, including Jal Shakti (PHE), Public Works (R&B), Power Development, Education, Health, Agriculture, and Social Welfare.

The Chief Minister also e-inaugurated three key projects and laid the e-foundation stone for another transformative initiative. These projects, designed to enhance public welfare and boost the region’s development, were virtually dedicated to the people.

Following the review meeting, the Chief Minister conducted a redressal camp, where local residents, industrial representatives, and delegations from far-flung areas submitted grievances and demands.

The Chief Minister assured the people that their genuine concerns would be resolved promptly. While concluding, chief minister Omar Abdullah praised the overall performance of the district despite challenges, expressing confidence in continued cooperation and progress.

He encouraged MLAs and stakeholders to submit priority projects in writing for inclusion in upcoming budget proposals, ensuring better planning and execution in the next fiscal year.