Kupwara, Dec 18 (JKNS): In continuation with the Government’s Public outreach programme, Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, IT, Science and Technology Satish Sharma along with Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani on Thursday reviewed the progress and performance of several departments and undertook a comprehensive review meeting at the District Administrative Complex, Kupwara.
The meeting was also attended by MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA Karnah Javid Ahmad Mirchal, MLA Langate Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Suse, ADC Handwara Javid Naseem Masoodi, RTO Kashmir, Qazi Irfan, Joint Director of FCS&CA Shaheena Khan and Joint Director Youth Services & Sports, Chief Planning Officer Parvaiz Lone and other concerned district officers.
While reviewing the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, the Assistant Director FCS&CA Kupwara informed the Minister that a total of 6,67,755 beneficiaries are registered under NFSANon-NFSA categories in the district. It was further informed that 267.81 metric tonnes of rice are currently stocked at the main FCS&CA depot at Bumhama.
The district has 496 sale centres/fair price shops. Adequate stocks of rice, atta, and sugar have already been pre-positioned in border and snow-bound areas, including Karnah, Machil, Keran, Budnamal, Jumgund, and Kumkadi, which are being serviced through 170 centres.
The Minister emphasized the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, particularly in snow-bound and hard-to-reach areas, so that residents do not face any inconvenience during harsh weather conditions.
Reviewing the Transport Department, the ARTO Kupwara apprised the Minister of the number of passenger buses, trucks, and cabs operating in the district. It was informed that ₹15.91 crore has been realized during the ongoing financial year 2025-26 through fees, taxes, fitness, and passenger tax. Additionally, ₹5 lakh has been disbursed under the Road Accident Victim Fund during the current year.
On the demand of public representatives, the Minister announced the issuance of government buses to all Assembly Constituencies of the district to facilitate daily commuting for the public.
Regarding the solarization of government buildings, it was informed that 398 buildings have been solarized so far, and smart meters have been installed in 17 buildings.
Additionally, 2,798 solar street lights were installed during the financial year 2024–25, while 344 more have been proposed for installation in the current financial year. It was also informed that 13 solar agriculture pumps have been allotted in the district, out of which 10 have already been installed.
He also directed the concerned officers to ensure installation of solar lights in all shrines and stadiums of the district. Meanwhile, various solar lights were issued on spot to all 6 constituencies of the district.
Regarding Hydro Power Plants, the Minister stressed upon the concerned agencies to speed up the execution of work on these projects, which shall augment the power scenario in the district.
Regarding the formulation of plans, the Minister enjoined upon all the officers to ensure utmost coordination with the concerned MLAs while making plans for different works. He was impressed by making people centric and area specific plans for maximum welfare of the people.
The Minister also reviewed the activities of the Youth Services & Sports Department in the district.
The Advisor to Chief Minister, while speaking on the occasion, asked the officers to work in close synergy with the elected representatives while formulating and executing the government schemes and intatiives. He said that the same is imperative for effective implementation of various developmental initiatives.
Earlier, Chief Planning Officer Kupwara, Parvaiz Ahmad Lone, presented a detailed district profile of Kupwara to the chair.
Afterwards, the Minister, along with the Advisor to Chief, distributed solar lights to all constituencies of the district.
Later, the Minister, along with Advisor to Chief Minister, took a held a field visit during which he inspected Playground of HSS Kupwara and Sports Stadium Galizoo.MLA Kupwara was also present on the occasion.
The Minister directed the officers to prepare a comprehensive DPR for Construction of State of Art Sports facilities at these two grounds. He said that Government is committed to creating Quality sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir so that the youth get the requisite facilities for showcasing and honing their skills.
Later, the Minister met several deputations and directed officers to ensure time-bound redressal of all genuine grievances at an earliest. (JKNS)
