Ankush Kumar
In a proactive move to address public grievances and assess the developmental landscape of Poonch district, Secretary of the Public Works Department (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, chaired a Public Darbar at Dak Bunglow, Poonch. The event, which drew a sizable response from the community, served as a platform for residents to voice concerns and seek redressal.
Various delegations, including representatives from the District Development Council and the general public, articulated a range of issues and demands, seeking prompt attention from authorities. Key among the concerns raised were the construction and maintenance of vital road infrastructure, completion of government buildings such as the mini-secretariat, and the need for staffing in healthcare and education sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary Bhupinder Kumar underscored the importance of such public outreach programs in bridging the gap between administration and citizens, fostering accelerated growth and development. He instructed concerned departments to compile a list of pending forest clearance issues hampering road construction projects.
Furthermore, Secretary Kumar directed relevant agencies to uphold quality standards and adhere to project specifications outlined in Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), emphasizing the need to blacklist non-performing contractors. This decisive measure aims to ensure accountability and uphold standards in infrastructure development initiatives.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity in remote areas, Secretary Bhupinder Kumar noted a significant surge in road construction and blacktopping activities in recent years. He assured swift action on public feedback received during the Darbar, pledging to incorporate citizen inputs into actionable plans. The Public Darbar saw attendance from various dignitaries, including the Chairperson of the District Development Council, the District Development Commissioner, Additional District Development Commissioner, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Executive Engineers, along with district and sectoral officers, and public delegations.
The proactive stance taken by Secretary Bhupinder Kumar reflects a concerted effort to address grassroots concerns and accelerate inclusive development in Poonch district. The event serves as a testament to the government’s commitment to responsive governance and citizen-centric policymaking.