SRINAGAR: Appreciating the UT administration for devising programmes to enhance the quality of life for citizens, Suman Bery, Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog, exhorted it to retain its natural advantages to achieve its aim of being one of the top 50 Global tourist destinations and offered Aayog’s support to Jammu and Kashmir.
Bery, on a visit to the union territory, reviewed the developmental scenario in J&K to explore thrust areas in presence of Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta and other senior officers to help J&K realize the vision of Viksit J&K @ 2047.
During the interactive session, the VC expressed his appreciation for the best practices that have been implemented in the Union Territory (UT) over the past couple of years, which have enhanced the responsiveness and transparency of the administration.
He specifically noted the remarkable digital transformation that has taken place within a span of just two years, enabling the delivery of all services online. Additionally, he commended initiatives such as the compilation of the District Good Governance Index and rankings of Panchayats and Blocks based on key developmental parameters, emphasizing their significance as noteworthy practices.
The VC also observed that NITI Aayog is a platform to share knowledge and good practices among States/UTs to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He stressed that the institutional and governance dimensions, supported by financial imperatives, are crucial in shaping the nation’s future as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
Mr Bery further noted that all the programmes devised by the UT are designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens and build trust in governance systems, ultimately fostering the development of a modern society aligned with the Aspirational agenda set by our nation for itself. He called for adoption of sustainable models of development, gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels and adopting alternatives to it.
He assured that NITI Aayog shall be willing to extend support to J&K and mentioned possible areas of cooperation. He suggested that J&K should retain its natural advantages to achieve its aim of being one of the top 50 Global tourist destinations.
He also suggested factoring in risks and uncertainties while formulating developmental plans to be future ready. He highlighted the need for promoting organic agriculture and high density plantations as a way forward. He highlighted the need for a diversified economy, besides the undisputable strength in tourism and horticulture, as a risk mitigation measure, as brought out by Covid-19 experience.
On the occasion the Chief Secretary informed the Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog about the transparency and accountability framework like BEAMS, e-tendering, mandatory Administrative Approvals and Technical Sanctions along with physical verification of projects which have accelerated pace of development in the UT. He highlighted that with nearly the same level of capital expenditure, UT has achieved completion of 10 times more works than what was accomplished prior to 2019.
Dr Mehta maintained that J&K is shedding all possible constraints to adopt the path that is progressive and improves the quality of lives of people. He outlined that J&K has by now adopted all the laws enacted by the Parliament. He said that the UT has junked all the convoluted thinking to be a competitive entity.
The Chief Secretary also apprised the VC, NITI Aayog about the landmark developments the UT has embraced in the shape of Back to Village, My Town My Pride and robust grievances redressal mechanism to bring government at the doorsteps of people. He revealed that the UT government is well on the path to achieve excellence in every sector.
He maintained that J&K has not attempted to invent the wheel afresh; instead it has tried to customize the technology adopted elsewhere to rapidly ascend the ladder of development. He stated that the LG Administration has made it a focal point to put the interests of people ahead of everything which is the sole guiding principle to help it to attain new heights of progress with each passing month.
He remarked that it is the fruit of the vision and direction given by the Lieutenant Governor that the UT has completed more than 92000 works previous year, made all services online, covered whole population under health insurance scheme (PMJAY Sehat), achieved high ranking in road construction under PMGSY, Amrit Sarovar, Nasha Mukt Bharat, SDGs and dozens of other sectors and schemes rolled out in the country.
He also mentioned that the dividends of peace are clearly visible in functioning of schools and colleges, tourist arrivals, sports activities, developmental momentum etc.
Later on, NITI Aayog also dwelt upon the structure and framework of a UT Institute of Transformation, supported by NITI Aayog, as part of a reimagined planning department of the UT, which would be key to shaping its journey towards a Viksit J&K @ 2047.
