‘Accountability, transparency will remain cornerstone of govt’s development agenda’

Kupwara, Sep 1: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Tuesday inaugurated the Block Development Council (BDC) Building at Kralgund, Kupwara, marking another step towards strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions.
MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, accompanied the Minister during the visit.
Addressing a large gathering on the occasion, the Minister said that the newly established BDC building is not merely an administrative infrastructure but an important institutional mechanism for empowering the grassroots democratic institutions and ensuring responsive, accessible and people-oriented governance.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 97 lakh, the building will provide a dedicated platform for functioning of the Block Development Council. The utility will facilitate the people of the area in putting forth their developmental concerns and grievances before the concerned authorities without having to travel long distances.
Javid Dar said that strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions is central to the government’s vision of decentralized development, wherein local communities and their elected representatives have a meaningful role in identifying priorities, planning development works and monitoring their implementation. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensure that the benefits of welfare and development schemes being implemented by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Government of India reach the deserving beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and hassle-free manner.
He reiterated that accountability and transparency will remain the cornerstone of the government’s development agenda, particularly in execution of works at the grassroots level. He directed the concerned functionaries to ensure proper utilisation of public resources, adherence to approved norms and specifications, timely completion of works and transparency at every stage of project implementation.
“Every rupee of public money must translate into tangible development and public benefit,” the Minister said while stressing that government institutions must remain accessible and accountable to the people.
Javid Dar maintained that equitable development of all regions and areas is a fundamental priority of the government, with particular attention being given to rural, remote and far-flung areas. He called upon the officers to work in close coordination with elected representatives and local communities so that developmental planning remains aligned with the actual needs of the people.
The Minister also underscored the importance of regular field visits, effective grievance redressal mechanisms and continuous monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure quality, efficiency and timely delivery of services.
MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, in his address, highlighted the vast developmental potential of Kupwara district, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture and rural development. He called for focused interventions and sustained investment in these sectors to unlock the district’s economic potential, strengthen rural livelihoods and create greater employment and income opportunities for the local population.
Director Rural Development Kashmir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Development Handwara, other senior officers of the concerned departments and a large number of local people were present on the occasion.