Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a comprehensive meeting with Administrative Secretaries on Thursday to meticulously assess the implementation status and progress of critical Centrally-Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and significant infrastructure projects across Jammu and Kashmir. The extensive review aimed to ensure effective public service delivery and foster inclusive socio-economic development throughout the Union Territory.
During the marathon session, Administrative Secretaries from various departments provided in-depth presentations detailing the physical and financial achievements of their respective schemes. These presentations also outlined the established targets, identified implementation challenges, and presented future action plans designed to overcome existing hurdles and accelerate progress. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the Chief Secretary conducted a thorough sector-wise evaluation, encompassing vital areas such as education, health, power, digital connectivity, rural and urban development, housing, social welfare, finance, tourism, skill development, water supply, transport, fisheries, and broader infrastructure development.
Emphasizing a commitment to outcome-oriented governance, Mr. Dulloo issued directives to all departments, urging them to maintain close oversight of their targets. He stressed the importance of proactively addressing any bottlenecks that impede implementation and ensuring the most efficient utilization of allocated funds. The Chief Secretary specifically called for a concentrated effort on the timely completion of all ongoing projects, achieving full saturation of eligible beneficiaries under various welfare programs, and implementing sustained field-level monitoring mechanisms. This rigorous monitoring, he emphasized, is crucial to guarantee that the intended benefits reach every deserving citizen across Jammu and Kashmir.
While acknowledging the satisfactory progress observed under several flagship programs, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the departments the necessity of working with heightened urgency to meet the prescribed milestones within the stipulated timelines. Mr. Dulloo further instructed all Administrative Secretaries to diligently track both the physical and financial progress of their initiatives. He also underscored the need for prompt resolution of any implementation issues that arise and emphasized the importance of maintaining regular and constructive engagement with the Government of India to secure timely approvals and facilitate the release of funds whenever necessary.
In the education sector review, officials reported significant advancements under the ‘Samagra Shiksha’ and ‘PM SHRI Schools’ initiatives. The focus within these programs has been on driving digital transformation, establishing smart classrooms, equipping ICT laboratories, and setting up Atal Tinkering Labs. Vocational education, inclusive education strategies, early childhood care provisions, hostel infrastructure enhancements, and the integration of technology-enabled governance were also highlighted as areas of substantial progress. As per information available with Tahir Rihat, these efforts are aimed at modernizing the educational landscape and improving learning outcomes for students across the region.
The Skill Development Department informed the meeting that over one lakh youth have successfully completed industry-oriented training programs under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)’. Furthermore, the department announced the commencement of the newly launched ‘PM-SETU’ program, which is designed to transform Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Centres of Excellence. This transformation is being achieved through strategic industry partnerships and significant upgrades to existing infrastructure, thereby enhancing the employability of the trained youth.
Regarding the power sector, the Chief Secretary was apprised of the steady progress being made under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’. Thousands of rooftop solar installations have reportedly been commissioned across the Union Territory, providing tangible benefits to beneficiaries by reducing their electricity bills. Concurrently, the Science and Technology Department is actively pursuing the solarisation of government buildings as part of a broader initiative to promote clean energy adoption and bolster energy self-reliance within Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also provided an update on the implementation of Smart Metering initiatives and the ‘Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)’. Under RDSS, large-scale installation of smart consumer meters is underway, alongside crucial strengthening of the power distribution infrastructure. These measures are intended to significantly improve operational efficiency, minimize transmission losses, and ensure a more reliable and consistent electricity supply for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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