MAY 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review detailed proposals concerning the reorganisation of departments under the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD). The meeting aimed to streamline governance structures, enhance operational efficiency, and improve urban planning and service delivery mechanisms across Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department, as well as planning and finance experts, participated in the deliberations. The proposals under review included restructuring departmental hierarchies, reassigning responsibilities for better service coordination, and creating new divisions to address emerging urban challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the critical importance of modernising urban governance. He stated, “With increasing urbanisation in Jammu and Kashmir, it is imperative that our administrative structure evolves to meet the growing needs of our cities and towns. Efficient, citizen-centric urban governance is key to sustainable development.”
The reorganisation initiative aims to eliminate overlaps, ensure accountability, and facilitate faster implementation of flagship urban development schemes such as the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and affordable housing projects.
Officials briefed the Chief Minister on various proposals such as the integration of urban local bodies with regional planning authorities, the creation of specialised task forces for solid waste management and water supply systems, and the upgrading of municipal capacities through digital governance tools.
CM Abdullah directed the concerned departments to submit a time-bound action plan for the proposed restructuring. He also stressed the need for stakeholder consultations, including input from urban planners, engineers, and elected representatives, to ensure that the reforms are inclusive and practical.
He further underlined the need for transparency and efficiency in public service delivery, adding that the reorganisation would also create clearer lines of communication between state-level bodies and urban local governments.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of initiating reforms in the Housing and Urban Development framework to accommodate the rising urban population, address infrastructural deficits, and enhance overall governance efficiency.
The proposed changes are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, followed by phased implementation across all municipal jurisdictions in the Union Territory.