Srinagar, Feb 23: Dryland Agriculture Research Station, SKUAST-K organized a farmer’s awareness cum input distribution programme under HADP Project on Rainfed Area Development for farmers of District Budgam in collaboration with KVK Budgam at DARS Rangreth. The programme was attended by more than 40 farmers along with scientists & field staff of DARS, Rangreth.
The programme started with formal welcome by Dr. Ajaz A. Lone, Professor (GPB). The brief overview of the programme was presented by Dr. Zahoor A. Dar, Associate Director Research. The guests were felicitated by Dr. S. A. Dar and Dr. F. A. Bahar. Dr. S. A. Dar, OIC AICRP-Pulses emphasized on the role of pulses under rainfed situations. Publications pertaining to rainfed agriculture were released during the event by the honorable guests. Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Mr. Mehraj-u-Din Shah Chief Guest appreciated the role of SKUAST-K in promoting technologies for upliftment of farmers in rainfed ecologies. Dr. Javid Iqbal highlighted the role of horti-pastoral system in rainfed areas. The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. F. A. Bahar.
Vikramjit Singh convenes Public Darbar at Ganderbal, assesses public grievances
Ganderbal, Feb 23: Aimed to enhance public outreach and address the concerns of the public at their doorstep, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, on Friday convened a mega public darbar here at Mini Secretariat.
The event, conducted as part of government’s ambitious public outreach cum grievances redressal program, was attended by Vice Chairperson DDC Ganderbal, Bilal Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner, Shyambir, Director Industries and Commerce Kashmir, Khalid Majeed, Director Handloom & Handicrafts, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, DDC members and other district officers.
The public darbar witnessed overwhelming response from the public and delegations who apprised the Commissioner Secretary of their issues concerning welfare and development of their respective areas seeking speedy redressal of the same.
Senior officers of civil administration recorded the public grievances and demands so that remedial measures are initiated accordingly.
The Commissioner Secretary emphasized the significance of holding such Public Darbars, stating that these serve as a vital platform to understand grassroots-level issues thereby reducing the communication gap between the public and the administration. He urged upon all stakeholder departments to adopt a proactive and people friendly approach in delivering prompt public services.
To ensure accountability, Singh directed the Deputy Commissioner to set timelines for addressing the raised demands and grievances. He emphasized that action taken reports should be made public, enabling citizens to stay informed about the status of their issues.
The Commissioner Secretary assured the general masses that the grievances and demands raised during the darbar would be addressed on a priority basis, following due consideration with the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the industrial estate Ganderbal highlighted issues concerning road development, power supply, market linkages in the micro sector, and cold storage.
The Commissioner Secretary assured the delegation that the government is committed towards providing comprehensive support to industries, including access to finance, capacity building, technical support, and basic facilities.
Various demands were raised during the Darbar, including creation of additional Education Zones, a women’s college, early commissioning of lift irrigation for Chountwaliwar, additional Patwarhalqa at Chattergul, Fire and Emergency Service for Sherpathri, poor mobile connectivity at Chountwaliwar area, beautification of town, road widening, unscheduled power cuts, CT Scan facility in District Hospital, inclusion of Maalish and other unexplored areas in the tourism map.
Addressing CT scan concerns, the Chief Medical Officer Ganderbal informed that a CT scan is already available at Trauma Hospital Kangan, and a proposal for District Hospital is in the pipeline.
In response to queries about including Maalish and other areas on the tourist map, the Deputy Commissioner mentioned that the district administration is finalizing a tourism plan to showcase the rich culture and natural heritage. The plan aims to identify new, unexplored tourist destinations, ensuring their inclusion on the tourist map.
Earlier, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal presented a brief overview of the district profile and highlighted notable achievements registered in the current fiscal year through a comprehensive power point presentation.
