CS reviews progress of projects, calls for enhancing EODB
Leh, Jun 24: Emphasizing the importance of adhering to timelines and ensuring quality standards in all works undertaken, Chief Secretary, Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal, chaired a review meeting to assess the physical and financial progress of projects approved under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and other SDP funds, yesterday in the Conference Hall, UT Secretariat, Leh.
The CS stressed the need for closer coordination among departments to ensure timely completion and to address any bottlenecks in implementation.
The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation status of various infrastructure development initiatives being carried out across Ladakh under these schemes.
During the meeting, Administrative Secretary of the Public Works Department (PWD), Michael D. Souza, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the progress of ongoing works.
The presentation highlighted key milestones achieved and outcomes of the projects being executed under CRIF in both Leh and Kargil districts.
Dr Kotwal reviewed the performances of concerned Department. He also reviewed the budgetary allocations and expenditures under each scheme to ensure efficient utilization of funds.
The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil, along with relevant departmental officers, to regularly inspect and monitor the progress of all projects.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Dr Laltinkhuma Franklin; Administrative Secretary, Michael D. Souza; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Romil Singh Donk; Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Chief Engineer, PWD, CPWD and NHIDCL; Chief Engineers, Vijayak, Himank Project and other concerned officers.
Earlier, the CS Kotwal, chaired a review meeting on ‘Deregulation and Compliance Reduction’ at the UT Secretariat.
The meeting focused on streamlining administrative procedures, enhancing ease of doing business, and reviewing ongoing reforms under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) and decriminalization of minor offences.
Administrative Secretary, Bhupesh Chaudhary, presented a detailed overview of the progress made in line with Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) guidelines. He also highlighted the updated Management Information System (MIS) portal, wherein all 23 priority areas have been assigned to respective departments. The updated data will be submitted to the Chief Secretary, who will forward it to the Task Force for final review.
A special focus was given to the decriminalization exercise which is a major part of the Deregulation & compliance reduction process.
Dr Kotwal emphasized the importance of implementing laws effectively, stating, “A law holds value only when it’s executed in spirit and practice.”
He reviewed the implementation of the Jan Vishwas Act and directed the Law Department to align relevant UT laws accordingly, maintaining the format of J&K Acts.
He also reviewed public service delivery mechanisms, including the issuance of identity certificates, Scheduled Tribe and resident certificates. He instructed the Revenue Department to make processes fully online, including Patwari signatures, and assured government support in covering digitization costs.
The meeting concluded with a call for timely implementation of the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) to ensure citizen-centric governance and administrative accountability.
Key participants included Administrative Secretaries of Tourism, Agriculture, RDD/PRI & IT, PWD/PHE; Directors of Housing & Urban Development, Industries & Commerce, and Rural Development; Member Secretary LPCC; Chief Engineer, PDD; Additional Secretary, Law Department; State Informatics Officer, NIC; Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Leh; Deputy Director, Fire & Rescue Services; Deputy Labour Commissioner; Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Leh; Assistant Architect, Housing and Urban Development; and the PMU Team from the Tourism Department.
