People-centric administration on display as grievances are heard, directions issued, and accountability stressed
Report by Syrier Dar
Shopian, January 9:
Shopian, January 9:
In a strong demonstration of people-centric governance and grassroots outreach, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, on Tuesday presided over a Block Diwas programme at Kanjiuller, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to responsive, transparent, and accountable governance at the local level.
The Block Diwas witnessed active participation from residents across various Panchayat halqas of the block, who turned up in large numbers to voice their concerns and highlight long-pending civic and developmental issues. The initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between the administration and the public, provided a direct platform for citizens to interact with senior district officials.
Direct Listening, On-the-Spot Action
During the programme, DC Shishir Gupta patiently listened to the grievances raised by the public and issued on-the-spot directions to concerned departments for immediate redressal wherever possible. The approach underscored a shift from file-based governance to field-oriented administration, ensuring that public issues are addressed without unnecessary delays.
A wide range of issues related to block-level infrastructure and essential services were raised during the interaction. These included demands for macadamization of the Narva–Shali–Chek Shamsipora road, identification of a proper dumping site for garbage lifting, repairs of the Padsoo link road, and construction and maintenance of bridges.
Residents also raised concerns regarding electricity supply, availability of agriculture inputs, functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Bank services, drinking water supply under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, functioning of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), ration cards, and other basic civic amenities.
Emphasis on Coordination and Accountability
Addressing officers present on the occasion, the DC emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all line departments to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level. He stressed that lack of inter-departmental coordination often leads to delays and public dissatisfaction, which must be avoided.
“Block Diwas is not a mere formality; it is a responsibility,” the DC said, adding that officers must take public grievances seriously and ensure their resolution within stipulated timelines. He directed departments to prioritize field-level follow-up and ensure that commitments made during public interactions translate into visible action on the ground.
Special emphasis was laid on transparency, accountability, and citizen satisfaction, with the DC making it clear that officers would be held responsible for unnecessary delays or negligence in addressing genuine public concerns.
Strengthening Grassroots Governance
The Block Diwas at Kanjiuller highlighted the administration’s focus on decentralised governance, where issues are resolved at the block level itself rather than being pushed upwards unnecessarily. Officials said such outreach programmes play a vital role in identifying gaps in service delivery and understanding the real challenges faced by rural communities.
Locals appreciated the initiative, stating that direct access to senior officials helps build trust and confidence in the system. “Many of our issues remain unheard for months. Today, we were able to speak directly to the DC and concerned officers,” said a local resident.
Clear Directions to Departments
DC Shishir Gupta directed officers to dispose of pending cases expeditiously and ensure that public grievances discussed during the Block Diwas are entered into official records for monitoring and follow-up. He also instructed departments to maintain regular public outreach programmes to ensure sustained engagement with the community.
The DC stressed that development should be inclusive and responsive to local needs, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. He said feedback from such programmes should guide planning and implementation of development projects at the block and district levels.
Officials in Attendance
The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADDC) Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone, Block Development Officer (BDO) Peerzada Altaf Ahmed, Extension Officers, heads of various line departments, and other concerned officials. Their presence ensured that issues raised by the public could be addressed in real time with departmental clarity.
Officials from departments including R&B, Power Development, Agriculture, PHE, Health, Food and Civil Supplies, and local governance were present to take note of grievances and initiate action.
A Step Towards Responsive Administration
The Block Diwas initiative at Kanjiuller reflects the district administration’s broader effort to institutionalize public engagement and make governance more accessible. By taking administration to the people’s doorstep, the Shopian administration aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enhance service delivery, and ensure that development reaches every corner of the district.
As the programme concluded, residents expressed hope that the assurances given would be followed by timely action. For the administration, the Block Diwas served as both a listening exercise and a reminder that effective governance begins with understanding people’s problems and responding to them with urgency and empathy.
Direct Listening, On-the-Spot Action
During the programme, DC Shishir Gupta patiently listened to the grievances raised by the public and issued on-the-spot directions to concerned departments for immediate redressal wherever possible. The approach underscored a shift from file-based governance to field-oriented administration, ensuring that public issues are addressed without unnecessary delays.
A wide range of issues related to block-level infrastructure and essential services were raised during the interaction. These included demands for macadamization of the Narva–Shali–Chek Shamsipora road, identification of a proper dumping site for garbage lifting, repairs of the Padsoo link road, and construction and maintenance of bridges.
Residents also raised concerns regarding electricity supply, availability of agriculture inputs, functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Bank services, drinking water supply under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, functioning of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), ration cards, and other basic civic amenities.
Emphasis on Coordination and Accountability
Addressing officers present on the occasion, the DC emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among all line departments to ensure effective service delivery at the grassroots level. He stressed that lack of inter-departmental coordination often leads to delays and public dissatisfaction, which must be avoided.
“Block Diwas is not a mere formality; it is a responsibility,” the DC said, adding that officers must take public grievances seriously and ensure their resolution within stipulated timelines. He directed departments to prioritize field-level follow-up and ensure that commitments made during public interactions translate into visible action on the ground.
Special emphasis was laid on transparency, accountability, and citizen satisfaction, with the DC making it clear that officers would be held responsible for unnecessary delays or negligence in addressing genuine public concerns.
Strengthening Grassroots Governance
The Block Diwas at Kanjiuller highlighted the administration’s focus on decentralised governance, where issues are resolved at the block level itself rather than being pushed upwards unnecessarily. Officials said such outreach programmes play a vital role in identifying gaps in service delivery and understanding the real challenges faced by rural communities.
Locals appreciated the initiative, stating that direct access to senior officials helps build trust and confidence in the system. “Many of our issues remain unheard for months. Today, we were able to speak directly to the DC and concerned officers,” said a local resident.
Clear Directions to Departments
DC Shishir Gupta directed officers to dispose of pending cases expeditiously and ensure that public grievances discussed during the Block Diwas are entered into official records for monitoring and follow-up. He also instructed departments to maintain regular public outreach programmes to ensure sustained engagement with the community.
The DC stressed that development should be inclusive and responsive to local needs, particularly in rural and far-flung areas. He said feedback from such programmes should guide planning and implementation of development projects at the block and district levels.
Officials in Attendance
The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADDC) Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone, Block Development Officer (BDO) Peerzada Altaf Ahmed, Extension Officers, heads of various line departments, and other concerned officials. Their presence ensured that issues raised by the public could be addressed in real time with departmental clarity.
Officials from departments including R&B, Power Development, Agriculture, PHE, Health, Food and Civil Supplies, and local governance were present to take note of grievances and initiate action.
A Step Towards Responsive Administration
The Block Diwas initiative at Kanjiuller reflects the district administration’s broader effort to institutionalize public engagement and make governance more accessible. By taking administration to the people’s doorstep, the Shopian administration aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles, enhance service delivery, and ensure that development reaches every corner of the district.
As the programme concluded, residents expressed hope that the assurances given would be followed by timely action. For the administration, the Block Diwas served as both a listening exercise and a reminder that effective governance begins with understanding people’s problems and responding to them with urgency and empathy.
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