J&K govt elaborates its welfare measures as it enters last lap

With the Omar Abdullah Government entering the sixth and final year of its term, the Jammu and Kashmir government today listed a host of measures taken by it to ensure public welfare, good governance and equitable development for all regions in the state. The State Government took 1,147 decisions in its 137 meetings held during the last five years which include the approval to hold Panchayat Elections, launch of Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY), approval to Sixth Pay Recommendations in favour of its employees.

The Cabinet led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took the decisions with an aim to empower people, encourage transparency and upgrade the delivery of public services in the state, an official spokesperson said.

Among a host of approvals given for projects include exploitation of Geo-Thermal Energy in Ladakh, construction of two-room Housing Complex for Kashmiri Pandits at Jagti, scheme for Empowerment of Women, J&K Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Bill 2010, J&K Heritage Conservation Bill 2010, and Amendments to J&K Tourist Trade Act-1978.

Several new power projects were undertaken and existing ones were upgraded by the Cabinet. Development of Retli Power Project was approved by the government and its generation capacity was enhanced from 690 MWs to 850 MWs.

It also approved 450 MW Baglihar Hydro Electric Project-II, unbundling of HT/LT system in Power Development Department, creation of two Sub-Transmission Divisions in Leh and Kargil along with five Transmission Sub-Divisions and 149 posts, construction of 48 MW of Lower Kalnai Hydro Electro Project and construction of Parkachik-Panikhar HEP on River Suru and Kulan HEP on River Sindh. Among other measures, the government approved Policy for development of solar power and implementation of 37.5 MW Parnai HEP and also gave the nod for J&K Para-Medical Council Bill 2013.

The State Cabinet gave its nod to Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Policy, Energy Conservation Bill 2011, Prohibition of Ragging Bill 2011, besides preparation of comprehensive Mobility Plan for the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar.

It approved establishment of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation, construction of balance portion of Ravi Canal and setting up of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) at Jammu. The historic J&K Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) which got the approval of the cabinet and was subsequently passed by the State Legislature, is currently under implementation in 13 departments.

The Act has made some 80 important public services time bound for delivery and provides for punishment and fine to government officials for any delay or denial in providing the said services to consumers in a prescribed time frame. It also provides for compensation to affected consumers out of the fine imposed on the erring officer.

To ensure proper implementation of PSGA, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has constituted a top level Monitoring Cell in the General Administration Department and is regularly monitoring the status of implementation and benefits of the Act in the State.

The State Cabinet approved creation of posts in newly created districts and construction of 18 Polytechnic Institutions including some in uncovered districts. It approved establishment of new Polytechnic Institute in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri. It also approved establishment of ITIs at Khour-Batpora and Noorabad-Kulgam, the spokesperson said.

The Cabinet gave its nod for creation of Special Court for trial and disposal of cases investigated by CBI in the State. It approved J&K State Hydro Electro Project Development Policy 2011 and implementation of State Data Centre Project & formulation of development policy of Micro & Mini Hydel Power Projects.

The state government approved regularisation of Rehber-e-Ziraat in Agriculture Department, gave its nod to J&K Litigation Policy and accorded approval to the construction of Sanat Ghar at Bemina, he said.