Srinagar, May 14: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today chaired an extensive review meeting to assess the overall development scenario in Budgam district, with special focus on his constituency Charar-i-Sharief.

During the meeting, the Speaker undertook a detailed review of key departments including Rural Development Department (RDD), Roads & Buildings (R&B), Jal Shakti, Health, and Education under District Capex and other sectors. Discussions focused on departmental performance during the previous financial year as well as finalization of plans for the current financial year.
The Speaker sought a sector-wise update on ongoing works, utilization of funds, status of pending projects, and implementation of various government schemes in Budgam district, particularly in Charar-i-Sharief constituency.
Officials informed the meeting that out of 730 works approved during the previous financial year in Charar-i-Sharief, 665 have been completed. Under the CDF component, 172 works were identified by MLAs, of which 160 were approved and 67 completed. In the RDD sector, 1,628 works were approved, with 1,533 completed. In the R&B sector, 41 works were approved and 30 completed during 2025–26. In the Education sector, 97 works were approved, of which 24 have been completed so far. Under Jal Shakti, 67 works were approved in Budgam and Chadoora divisions, with 41 completed.
A detailed discussion was also held on the restoration of the Chadoora bridge, a crucial link connecting a large population with Budgam and other parts of Kashmir. The Speaker directed R&B officials to expedite restoration work and ensure smooth movement on approach roads to the Bailey bridge.
Emphasising timely execution of development works, the Speaker called for better inter-departmental coordination to ensure that public welfare schemes reach the grassroots level effectively. He instructed officers to prioritise projects of public importance and maintain transparency, accountability, and quality in execution.
Reiterating a “people-first” approach, the Speaker directed departments to address public grievances promptly and remove administrative and technical bottlenecks delaying key infrastructure projects.
“Our objective is to ensure that development translates into real improvement in people’s lives, not just remains on paper,” he said, adding that essential services must reach citizens without delay.
He also directed district officers to actively involve MLAs during the planning and identification stage of developmental works, stating that local representatives are best placed to identify priority needs of the public.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the district administration to adhere to strict timelines and ensure coordinated efforts for achieving sustained development in Budgam district.
Senior officers from various departments attended the meeting and briefed the Speaker on achievements, challenges, and future action plans.