CS vows full support to boost Budgam’s economy

Budgam, Aug 23: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday assured full government support in uplifting Budgam’s economy through effective project execution and scheme saturation. He said all schemes, whether Centrally Sponsored or UT Capex, must be implemented in accordance with prescribed guidelines to ensure maximum benefits for the local population.Conducting an extensive review of ongoing developmental projects and flagship schemes across the district, the CS instructed officials to conduct regular field inspections to assess progress and prevent delays. He called for the timely implementation and saturation of welfare initiatives to foster economic growth.During his visit, Dulloo inspected key infrastructure projects, including the 125-bedded District Hospital, a 100-bedded Critical Care Unit at Reshipora, and transit accommodations at Kakanmaran for Kashmiri migrants. He directed the concerned agencies to expedite work and ensure their timely completion.The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who presented a detailed sector-wise report on the district’s financial and physical progress under the District Capex Budget 2024–25 and 2025–26. The report highlighted the status of ongoing projects, pending schemes, and flagship programs.Focusing on agriculture, the Chief Secretary directed the Department to boost exotic crop and vegetable production, strengthen the functioning of Kissan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), and expand Kisan Credit Card coverage. He also urged the Sheep and Animal Husbandry Departments to enhance mutton and poultry output, while the Horticulture Department was asked to provide better guidance to orchardists.Dulloo called for better coordination among agriculture and allied departments to maximise productivity under the HADP scheme. He also directed the Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department to strengthen Public Distribution System (PDS) coverage across the district.In terms of employment, the CS called for scaling up training programs under initiatives like Mumkin, Tejaswini, and Mission YUVA. The District Industries Centre (DIC) was instructed to support unemployed youth in establishing small units.Reviewing ongoing works under PMAY, PWD, and Jal Shakti, Dulloo urged officials to complete projects within deadlines and address pending works from earlier schemes promptly. He also stressed the importance of rural tourism development, calling for improved facilities at Doodhpathri, Tosamaidan, and Yousmarg to boost visitor experience.At the event, Dulloo interacted with beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, distributing approval certificates for dairy, mushroom, apiculture, embroidery, and agriculture units. He also handed over keys for subsidised tractors and farm machinery to farmers.Later, Dulloo inspected key infrastructure projects, including the District Hospital, Critical Care Unit, and migrant transit accommodations, directing agencies to accelerate progress.The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Budgam’s economy through improved infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and employment opportunities. He said continuous monitoring, feedback collection, and strict adherence to project timelines to ensure overall development.The review meeting was attended by heads of Agriculture, Horticulture, Education, Health, RDD, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Employment, Industries, Command Area Development, PWD, PMGSY, Jal Shakti, KPDCL, and other district officers.