Strict action on delays, CM flags PSGA lapses
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed officials to explore viable alternatives to expedite the long-delayed New Ganderbal and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric projects, underlining the urgency of timely decision-making to avoid further cost overruns and worsening energy deficits.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of major power infrastructure initiatives, including hydro and solar projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
He expressed concern over the prolonged delays plaguing the 93 MW New Ganderbal and 48 MW Lower Kalnai projects, which have faced repeated hurdles due to contractual and financial constraints.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Satosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary Power Development Department Rajesh H Prasad, Managing Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, and other senior officials.
Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized that indecision and administrative delays must not be allowed to derail key infrastructure goals. He urged departments to act swiftly and transparently to resolve ongoing contractual issues and identify suitable mechanisms to accelerate implementation.
Among other projects reviewed was the 1856 MW Sawalkote Hydro Electric Project, seen as a cornerstone for enhancing J&K’s energy independence. The Chief Minister called for firm timelines and close inter-departmental coordination to ensure steady progress.
Also on the agenda was the 5 MW Solar Power Project at Pampore, being implemented through the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI). The Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct a cost-benefit analysis in the context of prevailing solar tariffs and recommended utilizing the idle land at Pampore effectively for scaling up solar output.
The issue of outstanding electricity bill arrears from commercial power consumers was discussed in detail. The Power Development Department (PDD) presented recovery strategies and shared proposals for revenue protection, aimed at reducing financial stress on the system.
The meeting further deliberated on the Draft Hydro Power Policy 2025, which is set to replace the decade-old 2011 policy. The new policy proposes significant reforms to attract private sector participation through Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. It envisions transparent allotments, streamlined clearance systems, fiscal incentives, and assured power offtake agreements to boost investor confidence.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive energy development, clean energy transition, and the strengthening of energy security in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has issued firm directions for the strict implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), 2011, calling out misuse of discretionary powers by officials and emphasizing that arbitrary delays in service delivery will no longer be tolerated.
Chairing a high-level review meeting attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries, and all Administrative Secretaries, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to conduct mandatory monthly reviews to assess PSGA implementation, ensuring timelines are met and penalties imposed wherever delays occur without justified cause.
“The spirit of this Act lies in delivering services on time, without exceptions. Where timelines are violated, penalties must be imposed without leniency. Don’t be soft,” the Chief Minister asserted, calling for an end to administrative laxity.
Flagging the misuse of discretionary powers, he stressed that the PSGA framework was designed to eliminate arbitrary decision-making. He directed departments to adhere strictly to defined timelines and ensure penalties are enforced in all such cases.
Highlighting the need for structured oversight, Omar Abdullah announced that a comprehensive quarterly review of PSGA implementation will now be conducted at the Chief Minister’s level, based on reports submitted to the Chief Secretary’s Office.
Acknowledging certain operational challenges, such as budgetary constraints and issues with digital portals, he clarified that these will be addressed separately through focused reviews. However, he emphasized that such constraints should not justify delays in service delivery.
He also insisted that in cases where applications are rejected, departments must provide clear, written reasons to ensure transparency and safeguard the applicant’s right to appeal.
Earlier in the meeting, department-wise presentations outlined the current status of PSGA execution. Officials detailed the core provisions of the Act, which mandates time-bound delivery of essential public services and defines clear responsibilities for designated officers.
The PSGA, enacted on April 13, 2011, and operationalized through SRO 223 dated July 21, 2011, is a cornerstone of citizen-centric governance in J&K. It provides for a two-tier appellate mechanism and empowers authorities to initiate disciplinary action for repeated violations.
So far, 493 services have been notified under the PSGA. Key contributors include the Power Development Department with 98 services, Revenue and Finance with 58 each, Transport, Housing & Urban Development with 47 each, and Industries & Commerce with 40 services. Other significant contributors include the Health, Education, Forest, and Agriculture departments.
With this renewed push, the government aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering public services—ensuring that no citizen is denied their rightful service due to bureaucratic delays or discretion.
