Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil, chaired a meeting on November 27 to review the physical and financial achievements under the District CAPEX Budget 2024-25. The meeting, held at the Conference Hall in Kargil, focused on the challenges faced and the corrective actions required to ensure the effective implementation of the budget.

The meeting was attended by Er. Punchok Tashi, Executive Councilor; Kacho Mohammad Feroz, Executive Councilor; Zakir Hussain, Executive Councilor; Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC Kargil; Councilors from respective constituencies; district officers from various departments; and other officials.

Abdul Hadi, CPO Kargil, provided a detailed report on the physical and financial progress achieved under the CAPEX Budget by various departments to date. The meeting was informed that the UT Administration had approved an outlay of approximately ₹34,400 lakh for the CAPEX Budget for FY 2024-25. As of now, ₹14,616.06 lakh has been spent, with an anticipated total expenditure of ₹29,008.04 lakh.

The CPO also reported that in the Engineering Sector, ₹9,528.73 lakh has been spent out of the ₹17,133.86 lakh allocated, while in the Non-Engineering Sector, ₹5,087.33 lakh has been spent out of ₹17,266.14 lakh.

In his address, the CEC emphasized the need for all departments and executing agencies to intensify efforts to maximize expenditure at the earliest. He stressed that working with dedication and integrity is crucial to serving the people and contributing to their welfare.

Dr. Akhoon also inquired about the progress of both ongoing and new projects in the Engineering and Non-Engineering sectors. The status of works and associated issues were reviewed and discussed department by department. The meeting covered various departments, including PWDR&B, I&FC, Health, PHE, RD&PRD Kargil, Education, KDA, Mechanical Engineering, Agriculture, PDD, and others.

In addition to reviewing the status of ongoing projects, the meeting addressed various departmental issues. Officials provided suggestions and engaged in discussions to resolve these issues. The CEC urged sectoral officers to expedite the execution of works and maximize expenditure.

Emphasizing the importance of timely project commencement, Dr. Akhoon directed the officers to minimize delays, particularly in the tendering process for ongoing works. He specifically instructed that the quality of work should not be compromised.

Councilors raised several developmental issues concerning their constituencies, and several unanimous decisions were made. Among the concerns discussed was the shortage of doctors and teachers in some areas, to which the CEC assured that necessary steps would be taken to address these issues.

The meeting also proposed the drafting of a transfer policy for the health, education, and other departments to ensure equitable staffing. Additionally, there was a focus on making projects and schemes more people-friendly. Councilors also requested the continuation of remedial classes to improve learning outcomes.

To address the drinking water shortage in Kargil town, the meeting decided to urgently procure two drinking water tankers.

CEC Kargil directed concerned officers to follow through on the decisions made during the meeting and ensure their timely implementation. The meeting also passed a resolution calling for no curtailment in the CAPEX Budget to ensure uninterrupted development.

Dr. Akhoon expressed his gratitude to the Executive Councillors, Councilors, and district officers for their continued efforts in the district’s development. He urged them to work in close coordination to ensure the creation of tangible public assets on the ground.