* Reviews dev works in Anantnag
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 15: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary today said that seeking a ban on liquor is welcome but emphasized that the drug menace is the more pressing issue, as it is destroying the younger generation in J&K.
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Speaking to reporters in Anantnag after chairing a review meeting with concerned MLAs, the Deputy CM said the Lieutenant Governor and the Director General of Police must ensure that drug abuse is eradicated.
“Banning liquor is fine; we have been advocating for it for a long time. But in J&K, the bigger concern is the drug menace. Putting an end to it is crucial because it is destroying young generations,” he said.
“We urge the LG to direct the police to take strict action and curb the drug problem. The DGP should also make this a priority. We never used to see this in J&K, but now it is reaching every home and destroying lives.”
On the restoration of statehood, he said that the resolution was passed in the first cabinet meeting. “In our first meeting, we passed the resolution. The Prime Minister and Home Minister have promised that Statehood will be restored, and discussions on special status will take place to ensure the security of our land and jobs,” he said.
Regarding the review meeting, he stated that officers who are not delivering have been warned that the system has changed and they must work efficiently.
During the meeting, Choudhary directed officers to ensure that the benefits of welfare and development schemes reach the grassroots level.
“The district is having a diverse topography and officers should ensure that the benefits of welfare initiatives and infrastructural development percolates to the grassroots level and the last habitable hamlets”, emphasised Choudhary.
The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing the officers during a review meeting to assess the progress on developmental activities in Anantnag district.
The meeting was attended by MLA Dooru, Ghulam Ahmad Mir; MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana; MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat; MLA Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; MLA Shangus-Anantnag East, Riyaz Ahmad Khan and MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani besides District Development Commissioner, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid; Heads of Departments (HoDs) and sectoral officers. During the review of progress on various works, Choudhary was informed that the district administration has focussed on transforming the infrastructure, grievance redressal, heritage protection and priority based planning.
He was apprised that as per standard practice, the district administration undertook quality analysis of grievances received in the district on JK Samadhan-Raabta to ensure that people’s grievances are addressed in a timely and quality manner.
While reviewing the status of proposed projects of public importance such as Mini Secretariat, district level auditorium and flyovers for traffic management, the Deputy Chief Minister noticed that these works have the potential to transform the district profile, ensuring ease of living for the people.
Choudhary also reviewed the works being executed in the infrastructure sector through a comprehensive assessment of Public Works Department (PWD), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Jal Shakti, KPDCL and others.
Meanwhile, the Legislators highlighted the issues of public importance concerning their respective constituencies.
Among others, these included construction of approach roads in their areas, road connectivity in the Scheduled Tribes and remote habitations, upgradation of healthcare facilities including Sub District and Trauma hospitals, construction of Dak Bungalow in Dooru, drinking water and irrigation augmentation, desilting of water canals, enhancement of Tourism activities in Pahalgam and Kokernag besides establishment of Industrial Training Institutes.
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