Reviews key hydro power projects, functioning of Coop Banks
Srinagar, Jul 23: In a significant push to enhance accountability and efficiency in public service delivery, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday directed all Administrative Secretaries to conduct mandatory monthly review meetings to assess the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), 2011, within their respective departments.
He also underscored the need for strict enforcement of timelines for service delivery and imposition of penalties on officials for delays, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards administrative laxity.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the inconsistent monitoring of PSGA at the departmental level. He emphasized the importance of structured and regular oversight.
“The monthly review at the level of Administrative Secretaries is to be done. Departments must ensure the Act is implemented robustly. Delays without justified cause must invite penalties, as prescribed under the law,” the Chief Minister said.
While acknowledging challenges related to budgetary constraints and portal issues, the Chief Minister made it clear that these would be reviewed separately and decisions taken accordingly.
“Where applications are to be rejected, they must be rejected with clear reasons so that citizens retain their right to appeal,” he said.
The Chief Minister particularly flagged the misuse of discretionary powers by officials, stressing that the PSGA framework is designed to eliminate arbitrary decision-making. He instructed departments to strictly adhere to defined timelines and ensure the levy of penalties in all cases where services are delayed beyond the permissible limit.
“The spirit of this Act lies in delivering services on time, without exceptions. Where timelines are violated, penalties must be imposed without leniency. Don’t be soft,” he added.
To strengthen the oversight mechanism further, the Chief Minister announced that a comprehensive review of PSGA implementation will be conducted at his level every three months, based on departmental reports shared with the Chief Secretary’s Office.
Earlier during the meeting, detailed department-wise presentations were made by the respective Administrative Secretaries on the current status and operational framework of the PSGA, which was enacted with the objective of ensuring timely, transparent, and accountable delivery of public services across departments.
The Act, notified on April 13, 2011, and followed by the notification of Rules on July 21, 2011, through SRO 223 followed by addition of several other government services through notifications remains a cornerstone of citizen-centric governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
The presentations gave details of the core provisions of the Act, which mandate the delivery of essential public services within prescribed timelines while clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of designated officers. The Act also establishes a structured appellate mechanism with fixed timelines for first and second appeals and empowers authorities to initiate disciplinary action in cases of repeated non-compliance.
It was highlighted that a total of 493 services have been notified under the PSGA, with major contributions from departments such as Power Development (98 services), Revenue (58), Finance (58), Transport, Housing & Urban Development (47 each), and Industries & Commerce (40), along with Health, Education, Forest, Agriculture and others.
The Chief Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of major hydro and solar power projects across Jammu and Kashmir, with a sharp focus on accelerating execution timelines and resolving bottlenecks.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key power projects including the 1856 MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project, 93 MW New Ganderbal HEP, 48 MW Lower Kalnai HEP, and the 5 MW Solar Power Project at Pampore.
The arrears on account of outstanding electricity bills of commercial power consumers was also discussed and the power development department gave details of steps being taken for recovery and expected revenue protection in case of schemes that would be proposed by the department for recovery of arrears.
While reviewing the New Ganderbal and Lower Kalnai hydro projects, both of which have seen prolonged delays due to contractual and financial challenges, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to explore viable alternatives to expedite implementation. He emphasized the need for timely decision-making to prevent further cost escalation and energy shortfalls.
The 5 MW Solar Power Project at Pampore, being implemented through SECI, was also reviewed.
The Chief Minister instructed for a cost-benefit analysis in light of existing solar tariffs and to put the idle land available at Pampore to productive use for the solar project.
The meeting also deliberated on the Draft Hydro Power Policy 2025, which aims to replace the 2011 policy and open new avenues for private investment through Independent Power Producer (IPP) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
The policy includes transparent allotment mechanisms, financial incentives, streamlined clearances, and guaranteed power off-take—all designed to making investments in renewable energy more inviting. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to sustainable development, clean energy, and inclusive growth.
Finally, the CM also chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the functioning of Cooperative Banks across Jammu and Kashmir here at the Civil Secretariat.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the current status and functioning of various Cooperative banks.
He acknowledged the improved financial performance of the Jammu and Anantnag District Central Cooperative Banks, which have achieved operational profitability but called for other loss-making Cooperative banks to devise a roadmap for recovery which would be examined by the Government for appropriate intervention to revive these banks.
The meeting also reviewed key initiatives such as the ongoing PACS Computerisation Project and the formation of new M-PACS, both aimed at strengthening grassroots-level credit delivery and financial inclusion.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for sustained reforms to ensure institutional resilience, financial stability, and rural empowerment across Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Commissioner Secretary Cooperatives Babila Rakwal gave a detailed presentation on the functioning and progress of Cooperative Banks in J&K.
