Guv asks DCs, SSPs to provide security to candidates, generate poll awareness

TNN Bureau. Updated: 9/20/2018 11:47:33 AM Front Page

STATE-LEVEL CONFERENCE

SRINAGAR: In the backdrop of boycott by Kashmir-based parties and the ever-looming threat by terrorists ahead of the upcoming municipal and panchayat elections in the state, Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday asked the police and civil administration officials to provide adequate security cover to candidates contesting in these polls, which he said must be conducted in free and fair manner.

Malik, who was addressing a day-long conference of Deputy Commissioners (DCs)and district Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) today, particularly stressed upon the DCs to generate awareness among people about the vital importance of upcoming elections in strengthening grass root democracy and holistic development of towns and villages.

The state level conference was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, in the view of these crucial elections, taking place in state after more than 7 years for Panchayats, whereas the last ULB polls were held way back in 2005, and further gaining significance in the absence of a political dispensation.

While NC, PDP and CPI(M) have announced to boycott these polls, the miscreants in Valley have torched at-least six Panchayat Ghar in various Valley districts, even as threat letters and posters have been issued by terrorists, warning locals against participating in the elections which will be held from October 8 (ULBs) and November 17 (Panchayats).

The entire government—Malik’s three Advisors: Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, K Vijay Kumar and B B Vyas, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, State Police Chief Dilbag Singh, Administrative Secretaries of various government departments; Divisional Commissioners of both Kashmir and Jammu; senior police officers were present in the conference called ahead of the polls this morning.

At the outset, Governor emphasized the high responsibilities associated with the chair of Deputy Commissioners and District SSPs in maintaining law and order, delivering public welfare services and ensuring holistic development of the districts. He stressed ensuring efficient, transparent and accountable governance with utmost regard to public sentiments.

Malik advised the district police officers to take care of public sensitivities while dealing with law-and-order issues, and ensure that minimum inconvenience is caused to people during their operations.
Turning towards DCs, he stressed crucial importance of strengthening grievance redressal mechanism by the District Administrations and urged all the DCs to mark one day in a week exclusively for hearing grievances followed by their early disposal.

He emphasized focus on completion of all pending development projects and urged the DCs to identify and settle all issues relating to pending projects. He observed that the government has approved setting up the J&K Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation, authorized to raise loans to complete the projects that couldn’t either take off or languishing for want of funds.

Governor advised DCs to give due attention to strengthening the health care delivery system in their respective districts and urged them to make optimum utilization of available human resources at grass root level like ASHA workers for achieving 100% institutionalized deliveries and adequate postnatal care for mother and child. He also emphasized ensuring 24 hr power supply during festivals and examinations.

Governor informed that his Administration has decided to sanction 40 new colleges for the State and urged the DCs to prioritize and submit their proposals in this regard.

Governor expressed concern over non-availability of avenues for recreation and sports among children and youth. He advised DCs to identify areas for developing play grounds in their districts and promote sports culture. He observed that he has noted a passion for football and cricket among the youngsters in the State and remarked that he has already discussed the idea of conducting IPL matches in the State with the IPL Chairman and once the upcoming international level stadium gets completed the IPL organizers will take a call on organizing matches here.

“Governor paid tributes to Karbala martyrs on the occasion and advised the officers dealing with maintaining law and order to take due care of religious sensitivities of people,” an official spokesman said.

“Advisors to Governor Ganai, Kumar and Vyas urged the DCs and SSPs to ensure that all development schemes in Central and State sectors are implemented in letter and spirit and that their benefits reach targeted sections of the society,” he said.

“Chief Secretary Subrahmanyam urged the officers to focus on delivering good governance whereas DGP Singh emphasized better Civil- Police coordination in handling law and order situation in the districts,” he added.


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