Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the developmental scenario of Reasi district, taking stock of the progress of ongoing projects, funds utilisation and delivery of essential public services.

He directed officers to accelerate the pace of expenditure, remove implementation bottlenecks and ensure timely completion of projects to maximise the benefits of developmental schemes.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister laid e-foundation stones for five major development projects with a cumulative estimated cost of ₹20.38 crore, marking an important step towards strengthening road connectivity, power infrastructure, sports facilities and agricultural infrastructure in the district.

The projects include renewal coat on Gran to Sukhalghati (upto Toot) Road under PMGSY at a cost of ₹514.59 lakh; creation of a 6.3 MVA, 33/11 KV Receiving Station at Chassana, Mahore, costing ₹477 lakh; levelling and construction of a boundary wall at Kalka Akhara, Reasi, at ₹164.86 lakh; establishment of a Centre of Excellence at a cost of ₹464.56 lakh; and creation of a 3.15 MVA, 33/11 KV Receiving Station at Gulabgarh costing ₹416.95 lakh.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister observed that Reasi, despite being a relatively small district, faces distinctive developmental challenges owing to its geographical location and the substantial floating population visiting the district, particularly the large number of pilgrims travelling to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other religious shrines.

He observed that the district’s infrastructure and planning requirements must take into account not only its resident population but also the enormous influx of pilgrims and visitors.

The Chief Minister said that the scale of pilgrim footfall, which runs into over a crore, presents considerable challenges in planning and executing infrastructure projects. He assured that the Government would make every possible effort to address these requirements and strengthen the district’s infrastructure to meet the needs of both residents and visitors.

Reviewing the progress of the Public Works (R&B) sector, he called for expediting ongoing works and ensuring optimal utilisation of available resources during the remaining working season. He directed the concerned officers to identify works where funds could be re-appropriated, wherever required, in consultation with the respective MLAs, so that available allocations could be put to productive use.

Reviewing the progress under the newly restructured rural employment framework, VB-G RAM G, the Chief Minister observed that the scheme had moved from a demand-driven to an appropriation and allocation-driven framework. He accordingly stressed the need for expediting expenditure and ensuring that the available allocations translated into tangible outcomes on the ground.

On staff shortages, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the issue was not confined to Reasi alone, but expressed particular concern over vacancies at the cutting-edge level, which directly affect the delivery of public services. He said the matter would be examined at the departmental level, while stressing the need to address these gaps to improve service delivery.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the implementation of Mission Yuva and discussed issues relating to the processing and disbursement of cases by financial institutions. He observed that the involvement of bank representatives in the project approval process was intended to facilitate subsequent loan disbursements and avoid repeated assessments by different agencies. He assured that he would take up the matter with the banks to streamline the process and address the difficulties being faced by beneficiaries.

Reviewing the progress under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister reiterated the need for focused attention to ensure achievement of the prescribed expenditure target of over 80 per cent. He stressed that the gap between projects accorded administrative approval and those actually commencing execution must be substantially reduced.

He cautioned that delays in implementation and underutilisation of funds could adversely affect future allocations and incentives under the scheme. He directed departments to closely monitor the physical and financial progress of SASCI projects and ensure that approved works are taken up and completed within stipulated timelines.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek gave a detailed presentation on the district’s overall developmental profile, sector-wise achievements, ongoing projects and their financial and physical progress.

The meeting reviewed the progress under the District and UT CAPEX budgets, tribal affairs initiatives, PMGSY road connectivity, MGNREGA employment generation and completion of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

In respect of water and power sectors, discussions covered the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, urban water supply projects under AMRUT 2.0, smart metering and infrastructure augmentation under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

The health and social welfare sectors were also reviewed, social security pension coverage and other welfare initiatives. The Chief Minister also took stock of developments in the agriculture and allied sectors, including the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), functioning of Kisan Khidmat Ghars and issuance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs).

The review further covered revenue generation and targeted distribution of foodgrains through the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department.

The Chief Minister also took note of the issues and suggestions put forward by the elected representatives and directed the concerned departments to give due attention to the developmental requirements flagged during the meeting. He emphasised that effective coordination between public representatives, district administration and line departments was essential for addressing local concerns and ensuring balanced development.

Ministers Ali Mohammad Sagar, Sakina Itoo, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmed Wani; Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani; MLA Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Baldev Raj Sharma; MLA Gulabgarh Khursheed Ahmed; MLA Reasi Kuldeep Raj Dubey; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Reasi, SSP Reasi and divisional and district heads of various departments attended the meeting.

Later, several delegations from different areas of the district called on the Chief Minister and apprised him of various developmental issues and public concerns. The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to the visiting delegations and assured them that all genuine issues raised by them would be examined for appropriate redressal.