CM Omar Abdullah reviews implementation of Schemes of Jal Shakti Department

JAMMU, JANUARY 27 (BAN): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of the Jal Shakti Department here at the Civil Secretariat.

The meeting discussed the progress of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu and Kashmir.

CM emphasized the need for effective implementation and robust monitoring mechanisms to achieve the mission’s objectives. The meeting was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment, Mission Director JJM and other senior officers from concerned departments.

During the meeting, ACS Jal Shakti presented a comprehensive overview of the mission’s progress, goals, and challenges.

He highlighted that 81% of households across Jammu and Kashmir have been connected with tap water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission and efforts being made to achieve the remaining targets.

It was informed that mission aims to provide 55 litres per capita per day (lpcd) of safe and clean drinking water, adhering to BIS 10500 standards. The adoption of alternative and effective designs, coupled with detailed technical scrutiny of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), has led to significant cost savings amounting to Rs 522 crore, underscoring the department’s commitment to efficiency and innovation.

The Chief Minister reviewed various challenges faced during the mission’s implementation, including low tender responses, delays in the supply of Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes in Jammu and Ductile Iron (DI) pipes in Kashmir, and incidence of dry bore wells in multiple districts. Electro-mechanical issues were also highlighted as significant concerns impacting the timely execution of projects.

The proposed project size under the Jal Jeevan Mission covers 3,253 schemes aimed at ensuring sustainable water supply system.

The meeting was informed that establishment of District Project Management Units (DPMUs) and continuous technical review by consultants are being carried out to ensure the quality and success of the mission.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of robust third-party monitoring mechanisms to enhance transparency and accountability.

He directed that complaints from specific areas be addressed promptly by engaging these monitoring agencies for swift resolutions. Furthermore, he called for addressing concerns related to the improper laying of water supply pipes above ground and ensuring the sustainability of water resources in affected regions.

The meeting also focused on water quality monitoring and surveillance, with the Chief Minister emphasizing the need to strengthen Pani Samities at the Panchayat level.

He encouraged regular interaction with concerned Ministers and MLAs to define their roles and responsibilities in enhancing the effectiveness of these committees.

In addition, the meeting discussed the operation and maintenance of rural water supply and extension of the Nal Jal Mitra Programme, e-billing systems and other operational aspects. The Chief Minister highlighted the urgency of addressing manpower shortages within the department to improve service delivery and achieve mission objectives.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made under the Jal Jeevan Mission while reiterating the importance of sustaining momentum and overcoming challenges.

He assured full government support in realizing the mission’s vision of providing clean and reliable drinking water to every household in Jammu and Kashmir.(BAN)

Amid health crisis, 60% of posts vacant at GMC Rajouri

Hospital lacks MRI, Cath Lab; Principal writes to Health Secy; residents urge govt to address shortages

Srinagar, Jan 27 (KNO): Amid the ongoing health crisis in the Badhal area of Rajouri district, the Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri is grappling with a severe staff shortage, with around 60% of sanctioned posts currently vacant.

Official sources informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that nearly 62% of the sanctioned positions at GMC Rajouri remain unfilled, which affects the institution’s functioning.

“Out of 23 sanctioned posts for professors, only one professor is currently available,” an official said, adding that the hospital is also facing acute shortages of doctors and paramedics, leaving key departments understaffed and overburdened.

The hospital lacks critical diagnostic and treatment facilities, including an MRI machine and a Cath Lab, forcing patients from Rajouri and neighbouring Poonch district to travel to Jammu for advanced medical care.

Residents of Rajouri and Poonch have expressed concern over the inadequate healthcare facilities and have urged the government to address the shortages in staff and infrastructure at GMC Rajouri.

MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary said the hospital is in a dire state. “The hospital is severely short-staffed and is functioning without many essential diagnostic facilities,” he said.

Principal GMC Rajouri has formally requested the Health and Medical Education Department to establish an MRI facility at the hospital.

In a letter to the Health Secretary, a copy of which has been accessed by KNO, the Principal stated: “In continuation of Office No. GMCR/2022-23/9754-59 dated 21.11.2022 and in reference to the request submitted by the In-charge Head of the Department, Radio Diagnosis & Imaging, GMC Rajouri, it is forwarded with a request to kindly direct the concerned authorities for the establishment of an MRI facility at the Associated Hospital of GMC Rajouri.”

In light of the mysterious illness that claimed 17 lives in Badhal village, authorities recently deployed 10 paediatricians and anesthesiologists to GMC Rajouri. All leaves for doctors and paramedics have been cancelled under a medical alert issued by the administration.

The residents of Rajouri have appealed to the government to prioritise the hospital’s needs. They said the absence of proper medical facilities in this frontier district is causing undue suffering. Local treatment options should be improved to minimise patient reliance on distant healthcare facilities, they added—(KNO)

Govt hikes monthly stipends for FMGs to Rs 12,300

Srinagar, Jan 27 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday granted sanction to the stipends in favour of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs).

As per an order issued by Health and Medical Education Department, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Foreign Medical Graduates to get a stipend of Rs 12300 per month for a year and the stipend shall be paid to eligible FMG internees from the date of issuance of the order.

The sanction is subject to the conditions that the payment of stipend to FMGs conforms to NMC guidelines, there is availability of funds under the relevant account head and the stipend for FMG’s pursuing internships in Private Medical Colleges of JK UT, shall be borne by the concerned colleges.

These issues with the concurrence of the Finance Department conveyed vide U.O. No. FD-Code/62/2021-03-1087 dated 17-01-2025, reads the order—(KNO)