DDC Chairperson chairs General Council meeting at Awantipora

Pulwama, Dec 9: Chairperson District Development Council, Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi Tuesday chaired the General Council Meeting at the mini-secretariat Awantipora.
At the outset, Chief Planning Officer Pulwama, Aashiq Hussain Khanday, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining sector-wise progress, physical and financial status under District Capex Budget 2025-26, status of works under the Area Development Fund (DDC/BDC/PRI), and the achievements and pending interventions across key departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the importance of the Panchayati Raj Act in strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring responsive local self-governance. He stressed the need for conducting regular and meaningful Gram Sabhas, noting that they serve as crucial platforms for participatory planning and identifying development priorities in rural areas.
The Chairperson urged all departments to complete pending works in a time-bound manner, avoid any lapses of funds, and maintain strict adherence to prescribed timelines and quality parameters.
He further called upon officers to work in close coordination to ensure seamless service delivery, effective monitoring and improved field-level responsiveness.
During the meeting, the Chairperson also reviewed the status of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in the district and directed concerned officers to accelerate efforts, strengthen sanitation outcomes and address gaps at the earliest.
A detailed assessment of winter preparedness was also carried out, wherein the Chairperson and the members of council reviewed the power supply scenario, readiness of restoration teams, and the stock position of ration, LPG and fuel.
The council also assessed the functioning of healthcare facilities, availability of essential drugs, and the arrangements put in place for timely snow clearance to ensure hassle-free movement of ambulances, vehicles and essential services during snowfall.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral, Chief Education Officer, Pulwama; Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; DDC Members and officers from line departments.