DEC 23 : Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday met several public delegations at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu and underscored the importance of responsive governance, timely grievance redressal and seamless delivery of public services across Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction formed part of the government’s continued outreach to directly engage with citizens and address their concerns in an effective and transparent manner.
During the meetings, delegations from different districts and sectors raised a range of issues related to civic amenities, development works, welfare benefits and administrative delays. The Deputy Chief Minister patiently listened to the concerns and assured the delegations that their genuine grievances would be addressed on priority.
Emphasising a citizen-centric approach, Surinder Choudhary directed the concerned officers to treat public grievances with utmost seriousness and sensitivity. He stressed that resolving people’s issues within stipulated timelines should be the top priority of the administration, as it directly impacts public trust in governance.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure timely delivery of services and avoid unnecessary procedural delays. He noted that efficient service delivery is a key pillar of good governance and plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life of the people. Officers were asked to maintain regular follow-ups on pending cases and ensure that commitments made to the public are fulfilled without delay.
Highlighting the importance of development, Surinder Choudhary directed departments to expedite ongoing developmental works across Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that infrastructure projects, public utilities and development schemes must be completed within set timelines to ensure that their benefits reach the people at the earliest. Delays, he said, not only escalate costs but also deprive citizens of essential services.
The Deputy Chief Minister also laid special emphasis on maximising coverage under various welfare schemes. He directed officials to proactively identify eligible beneficiaries and ensure that government schemes reach the intended sections of society, particularly the underprivileged, marginalised and vulnerable groups. He noted that welfare initiatives are designed to provide social and economic security and must be implemented in both letter and spirit.
Surinder Choudhary reiterated that the government is committed to inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources across all regions of the Union Territory. He stressed that public representatives and officials must work in coordination to address local issues and ensure balanced development.
During the interaction, the Deputy Chief Minister also advised officers to strengthen grievance redress mechanisms and make greater use of digital platforms to enhance transparency and accountability. He said that technology-driven solutions can help streamline processes, reduce human intervention and provide timely responses to public complaints.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s engagement with public delegations was widely appreciated as a step towards strengthening direct communication between the government and citizens. Such interactions, he said, help the administration understand ground realities and frame more responsive and people-oriented policies.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to good governance, Surinder Choudhary assured the delegations that their feedback and suggestions would be taken into consideration while formulating and implementing policies. He urged citizens to actively participate in governance by constructively engaging with the administration and bringing issues to its notice through appropriate channels.
The meeting at the Civil Secretariat reflects the J&K government’s ongoing efforts to foster transparent, accountable and efficient administration, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that the benefits of development and welfare reach every section of society.
