* CS visits Kala Kendra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 22: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired the Empowered Committee meeting of the Centre for Innovation, Technology Adoption, and Governance (CITaG) to review its functioning in Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary, Finance; Director, IIM Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Secretary, Planning; Secretary, Law besides other concerned officers from IIM, CITaG and Government departments.
During the meeting, Dulloo highlighted CITaG as a crucial platform for fostering coordination among the premier institutions such as IIT, IIM and AIIMS with the Government. He emphasized the need for developing governance models aligned with future demands, ensuring that J&K remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Expressing urgency, he stated that rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering, Climate Change and Quantum Computing necessitate immediate action. “If we fail to adapt to these transformations, we will be left behind with none to blame,” he remarked.
He further stressed that solutions are available for addressing the physiological, biological and environmental concerns, but the key lies in adopting relevant technologies. He urged the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department (PD&MD) to explore technological solutions for bridging the governance gaps.
Citing practical applications, he noted that AI can enable doctors in remote areas to diagnose patients accurately and empower the teachers to provide personalized learning interventions.
To enhance CITaG’s effectiveness, Dulloo directed the officials to make its verticals fully operational and strengthen the capacity of government officers to function optimally under this framework.
About the key achievements and progress made, so far, Commissioner Secretary, PD&MD, Talat Parvez Rohella made out that a dedicated CITaG Cell, led by the Director General of PD&MD, has been established to oversee Public Private Partnerships (PPP) and State transformation initiatives. He added that the government has allocated Rs 2.18 crore for CITaG’s initiatives, with a proposed annual budget of Rs 7.61 crore for the next fiscal.
Regarding the capacity building, he informed the meeting that training sessions have been conducted, equipping 197 officials with skills in governance transformation. An additional 200 officials are set to undergo the training in the coming months, he concluded.
Director IIM Jammu, Professor B.S Sahay besides giving the suggestions for prioritized uptake also informed about the plan for further streamlining the working of this centre. He gave out that it is being planned to initiate the recruitment drive completing the hiring process for CITaG, including the selection of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and domain experts.
Regarding implementation of PPP projects, the meeting was apprised that the bidding process for two Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects had been concluded.
Moreover, it was added that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for four initiatives stands finalized besides completing feasibility studies for eight projects. It was also suggested that in order to overcome the shortage of professionals in the centre it is being planned that a student internship program offering a monthly stipend to the students involved in governance research projects.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today announced that Kala Kendra will be developed as a premier Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in Jammu and Kashmir.
He emphasized the government’s commitment towards prioritizing culture as a vital component of identity. He highlighted the formulation of a well-defined Cultural Policy for Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing an art exhibition at Kala Kendra, Jammu, organized as part of the Tawi Festival-2025 by the Kala Kendra Society, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, and Amar Mahal Museum and Library, Jammu, the Chief Secretary revealed that an award scheme has been finalized to encourage and recognize the versatile artists, writers and performers from the region.
The event witnessed an esteemed panel comprising Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, Culture and Social Welfare; Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary, Kala Kendra; K.K. Siddha, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums; Dr. Lalit Gupta, eminent art historian and Colonel (Retd.) Mitra, Joint Director, Amar Mahal Museum and Library.
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