Away from resignation heat, Naeem checks into new Deptt

JAMMU: Sitting away from the political heat generated by Cabinet reshuffle, the new Minister for Works, Naeem Akhtar, who also saw an unexpected change in his portfolio, Saturday sat pretty with rounds of appraisal meetings in new departments.
Often seen by colleagues as someone close to the party leadership and advisor on key decisions, the PDP veteran Naeem Akhtar chose to stay back in Jammu even while many Ministers and legislators rushed to Srinagar where the centre of activity has moved after resignation by two Ministers triggered crisis within PDP.
While speaking during a maiden review meeting of the Department here this morning, Naeem said the coalition Government is committed to the equitable development of all Jammu and Kashmir. He said providing connectivity, construction of quality and safe roads, bridges and tunnels for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth is the top priority for the Government and the works would be carried out strict deadlines and with proper follow-up from the Department.
“You (officials) must gear up for providing quick positive results on ground,” he said. “We should develop a foolproof mechanism for completing the works in time-bound manner,” he added.
The Minister directed officials to make the process of execution of works hassle-free, saying that planning, construction, up-gradation and maintenance of roads, bridges and buildings must be the concern for all the officials of the Department. “Providing connectivity to unconnected habitations has to be our first objective,” he said.

Akhtar said in order gain movement in the ongoing developmental era, the culmination of prestigious projects would help the Government to provide good governance to the people of the State. “PWD needs a professional touch and the Government will do everything to revamp this vital department,” he said.

“We will have to follow the procedural limitations and our core aim should be to develop transparent working culture in the department,” he added.

The Minister asked the officials to review the long pending construction and developmental projects and adhere to the set deadlines for their completion.