Dr Basharat assumes charge as Commissioner SMC, CEO SSCL

Srinagar, Oct 12: Dr. Basharat Qayoom, Monday assumed charge as Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), and Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), with a focus on strengthening civic services and making urban governance more responsive to the needs and aspirations of Srinagar’s citizens.
Dr. Basharat Qayoom succeeds Faz Lul Haseeb. A brief function was held at the SMC Headquarters to welcome the newly appointed Commissioner and CEO. Senior officers and officials of SMC and SSCL welcomed Dr. Basharat Qayoom and assured him of their full cooperation in advancing citizen-centric governance and ensuring efficient, accessible and responsive municipal services.
Addressing the officers and officials, Dr. Basharat Qayoom reiterating the “Citizen First approach “ emphasised that citizens must remain at the centre of the Corporation’s policies, programmes and service delivery mechanisms. He stressed the importance of accountable administration, effective interdepartmental coordination and timely resolution of public grievances to address the everyday civic concerns of residents.
He highlighted the need to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms, improve the delivery of essential municipal services and ensure greater responsiveness to citizens’ complaints and feedback. He also underscored the importance of a coordinated and forward-looking approach towards transforming Srinagar into a sustainable, clean and liveable city where urban development translates into tangible improvements in the quality of life of residents.
His assumption of charge is expected to provide further impetus to ongoing urban development programmes, Smart City initiatives and efforts to improve the accessibility, efficiency and accountability of municipal services.
As Commissioner, SMC, and CEO, SSCL, the focus will be on strengthening civic infrastructure, improving sanitation and other essential municipal amenities, promoting sustainable urban planning, enhancing public participation and ensuring the timely implementation of development projects. Greater emphasis on citizen engagement and responsive grievance redressal will remain central to efforts to address public concerns and improve service delivery.
The overarching objective is to build upon the existing responsive, inclusive and citizen-friendly municipal administration, ensuring that the benefits of urban development are reflected in better civic amenities, improved public services and an enhanced quality of life for the people of Srinagar.