For Transparency
In a move to improve transparency and accountability in the governance system, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha launched the PROOF (an acronym for Photographic Record Of On-site Facility) application. This intervention requires uploading complete geo-tagged photographs for monitoring upcoming projects.
Now, no bills shall be entertained in the treasury unless photographs of projects are uploaded. The image evidence of all the projects shall now be available for the public on the EMPOWERMENT portal.
“We are laying special emphasis on taking government’s working to the people. Under initiatives like JK BEAMS, EMPOWERMENT, all the relevant information relating to key aspects of project implementation has been put in the public domain,” Lt Governor said. “PROOF is a part of the Government’s endeavour to bring transparency in the governance system by enabling citizens to overview the works being executed, thus ensuring their active involvement in the development process.”
Explaining the app, Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta highlighted key features of the new initiative envisaging the geo-tagged photographs of the works will be uploaded while preferring bills in the concerned treasuries against the budget allotted through BEAMS application will complement the government’s efforts in ensuring transparency in the execution of projects.
Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation has been given authority to spend Rs 157.98 crore for new projects. These include Rs 83.14 crore for New Ganderbal HEP, Rs 47.60 crore for Kirthai-I HEP, Rs 5.165 lakh for Kirthai-II HEP, Rs 17.18 crore for Lower Kalnai HEP, one crore rupees for Mohura HEP. Besides, it will have Rs 239.97 crore for the operation and maintenance of its already created assets and projects.
Youth Club Constitution
Mission Youth has accomplished the constitution of youth clubs across Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the district-wise data on youth clubs, Anantnag has 335 youth clubs, Jammu 305, Bandipora 151, Doda 237, Baramulla 402, Kathua 257, Budgam 296, Kishtiwar 111, Ganderbal 126, Poonch 229, Kulgam 178, Rajouri 315, Kupwara 355, Ramban 143, Pulwama 190, Reasi 153, Shopian 98, Samba 101, Srinagar 21 and Udhampur has 236 making a total of 4239 youth clubs in Jammu and Kashmir.
The youth volunteers of these youth clubs will be given training on all aspects of government schemes and will be part of emergency and crisis plans and be involved in the planning and decision making regarding volunteer-led activities to be done in Panchayats. The members of these youth clubs are also intended to act as peer modulators and motivators, besides creating awareness and mobilization for various Mission Youth schemes.
The youth clubs will also be provided special incentives in the form of grants in aid to support their activities. Sports kits and other equipment will also be provided for the constructive engagement of youth volunteers.
Pertinently, Mission Youth has also sanctioned funds to all districts for the refurbishment of government buildings to be allotted to these youth clubs. Mission Youth envisions that Young people should be involved as active participants in their own development and in that of the wider society and volunteering is a viable mechanism for achieving this vision of participatory governance.
LG In Bangus
Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha inaugurated the Bungus Awaam Mela amidst grand arrangements for village games, exhilarating local performances, and other activities to celebrate the 75th year of Independence. Speaking on the occasion, Sinha observed that Jammu and Kashmir is progressing rapidly in every sphere of life and the administration is working continuously towards achieving the goal of building a sustainable and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Noting that Bungus valley has the tourism potential to change the entire socio-economic landscape of the region, Lt Governor said that the administration is working in a mission mode to promote the unexplored, untapped tourism potential of Bangus, among others. He further informed that permissions to visit the Bungus valley have been relaxed now.
To make the Bungus valley environmentally sustainable, the Lt Governor directed the Forests and Tourism Department to chart out a viable Eco-Tourism plan for the region and all other prominent beautiful grasslands and meadows in the UT. He also suggested undertaking a feasibility study for starting a cable car in this trekker’s paradise.
Noting the demands and issues of the nomadic population living there in the summer season, Sinha directed the concerned officers for the installation of pre-fabricated toilets for the seasonal population, besides ensuring drinking water facility without any interruption to all the 2000 families.
LG On Zero Bridge
Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha visited the iconic Zero Bridge and took an on-spot assessment of the development and beautification of the Jhelum River on the lines of Sabarmati Riverfront.
Jhelum river, he said reflects the culture and history of Kashmir. It is important to ensure scientific execution of work keeping in view the aesthetic value of the river, besides taking the ecology factor into consideration. Once completed, the project will open up new avenues for the tourism sector, thus making Srinagar city more vibrant, he added.
During his visit, the Lt Governor enquired about the mechanism being laid down for the development of upcoming attractions and facilities to be made available to the visitors.
He also took stock of the works being executed under different components of the project including the development of pathways along Jhelum revetment, public utilities, an embankment along the riverbank, parks, Wi-fi zones and illumination work.
It was informed that in the first phase, a 2 km stretch from Zero Bridge to Amira Kadal will be developed by the month of September.
JKSSB says it has advertised more than 19000 posts of various departments in recent months and conducted an examination for about 12500 posts.
