SRINAGAR: The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, today ordered the observation of “BhrashtachaarMukt J&K” week from September 4 to 10 throughout all 20 districts while evaluating public service-oriented Jal Shakti Department, Power Development Department, and Revenue Department with all Deputy Commissioners. In addition to the Deputy Commissioners and District Superintendents of Police, the meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Home; the ACS, Jal Shakti Department; the Principal Secretary, Power; the Director ACB, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu; and the Commissioner Secretary IT.Although there were no complaints about the contract allocation under the system because these were allocated through electronic tendering and no contracts had been unjustly awarded, this was noted during interactions with DCs. Principal Secretary Jal Shakti Department attested to this. Additionally, it was reported that the ACB has only received 4 complaints, all of which are of a very minor and local type. The objections relate to the deployment of a PSU’s personnel, lack of specificity, the antecedents of some workers, and the early completion of a project.Jal Shakti, principal secretary, added that only through the PFMS site are payments made following thorough physical verification and checks by third parties. Additionally, the IMIS portal, which is being watched over by the GoI, has all the information regarding finished and ongoing projects. The CS accordingly ordered that all ongoing and completed projects be made easily accessible to the public for their review at the District level as well. Dr. Mehta also gave instructions on how to address complaints made about the installation of smart metres. He emphasised the significance of large-scale initiatives and public engagement to raise awareness of Smart metres and steps to address any readings-related concerns. The Chief Secretary gave instructions for the start of the “Brashtachar Mukt J&K campaign” across the UT while emphasising open and responsible government. The government’s commitment to ensuring a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir is reiterated by the campaign. In addition to resolving issues relating to land, the campaign is largely intended to concentrate on the hassle-free delivery of services connected to water and electricity. The Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of everyone’s active participation in the campaign, including PRIs and the general public. The CS further stated that all Prabhari Officers must see to it that the issues of public concern affecting their Panchayats, Wards, and Areas are flagged and dealt with appropriately throughout the week. The CS further instructed the IT Department to establish a feedback mechanism utilising the Google form application and to work with the relevant departments to ensure that any complaints or grievances are properly documented. Furthermore, appropriate legal action must be taken to discourage frivolous complaints. To accomplish the goal of corruption-free governance, the Chief Secretary urged citizens to actively engage in the process. The Chief Secretary emphasised the need for feedback from all PRIs, Pani-Samitis, etc. regarding certification, saturation of Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs), resolution of electricity meter-related issues, and resolution of land revenue issues in order to ensure the campaign’s success. He counselled all departments to remain steadfast in their determination to rid J&K of corruption as the LG Administration had envisioned. He reiterated that the drive towards digital governance was a crucial component in creating the most pristine system ever in the UT.
