Umar Raina
Ganderbal May 12: Two important administrative posts — Tehsildar and Block Development Officer (BDO) — have remained vacant in Gund tehsil of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, causing inconvenience to residents in the area.
Sources said the Tehsildar of Kangan has been given additional charge of Gund tehsil, while the BDO Kangan is also handling the additional responsibility of BDO Gund along with his existing duties.
Locals said the absence of separately appointed officers has been creating administrative difficulties for the people of Gund, which caters to a large population stretching from Surfraw to Sarbal areas.
Sources said that the previous Tehsildar of Gund retired in March this year, following which the Tehsildar Kangan was given additional charge of the tehsil. Similarly, the BDO posted in Gund block was transferred some time ago, but no fresh appointment has been made so far. Since then, the BDO Kangan has been managing the additional charge of the Gund block as well.
Residents alleged that the dual responsibilities assigned to officers already managing Kangan have affected the smooth functioning of administrative and developmental works in Gund.
They said people often face delays in revenue-related matters, developmental issues, and official documentation due to the lack of dedicated officers.
“How can one officer efficiently manage two tehsils and two blocks simultaneously? The government should immediately appoint a separate Tehsildar and BDO for Gund,” locals said.
Sources said that for the past two months, the posts of BDO and Assistant Engineer (AE) in Gund block have remained vacant. The Assistant Engineer from Kangan has also been given additional charge of Gund block. Locals say the absence of separate officers has been affecting developmental and administrative works in the area.
The residents urged higher authorities to look into the matter on priority and ensure that dedicated officers are posted in Gund tehsil to streamline public services and administrative functioning.