KUPWARA: In continuation with the government’s public outreach programme, Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, IT, Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, along with Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani today reviewed the progress and performance of several departments during a meeting held at Kupwara. The meeting was attended by MLA Kupwara Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA Karnah Javid Ahmad Mirchal, MLA Langate Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Suse, ADC Handwara, RTO Kashmir, Joint Director FCS&CA and Joint Director Youth Services & Sports, Chief Planning Officer and other concerned district officers.
While reviewing the Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department, the Minister was informed that a total of 6,67,755 beneficiaries have been registered under NFSA and non-NFSA categories in the district. It was further informed that 267.81 metric tonnes of rice have currently been stocked at the main FCS&CA depot at Bumhama. Adequate stock of rice, atta and sugar have already been pre-positioned in border and snow-bound areas, including Karnah, Machil, Keran, Budnamal, Jumgund and Kumkadi, which are being serviced through 170 centres. The Minister emphasized the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, particularly in snow-bound and hard-to-reach areas, so that the residents do not face any inconvenience during harsh weather conditions.
Reviewing the Transport Department, the ARTO Kupwara apprised the Minister of the number of passenger buses, trucks and cabs operating in the district. It was informed that ₹15.91 crore have been realized during the ongoing financial year 2025–26 through fees, taxes, fitness and passenger tax. Additionally, ₹5 lakh have been disbursed under the Road Accident Victim Fund during the current year.
Responding to demand of public representatives, the Minister announced the issuance of government buses to all Assembly Constituencies of the district to facilitate daily commuting for the public.
Regarding solarization of government buildings, it was informed that 398 buildings have been solarized so far, and smart meters have been installed in 17 buildings. Additionally, 2,798 solar street lights have been installed during the financial year 2024–25 while 344 more have been proposed for installation in the current financial year. It was also informed that 13 solar agriculture pumps have been allotted in the district, of which, 10 have already been installed. He also directed the concerned officers to ensure installation of solar lights in all shrines and stadiums of the district. Meanwhile, various solar lights were issued on the spot to all 6 constituencies of the district. Regarding Hydro Power Plants, the Minister stressed upon the concerned agencies to speed up the execution of work on these projects, which shall augment the power scenario in the district.
Regarding formulation of plans, the Minister enjoined upon all the officers to ensure utmost coordination with the concerned MLAs while making plans for different works. The Minister also reviewed the activities of the Youth Services & Sports Department in the district. The Advisor to Chief Minister, while speaking on the occasion, asked the officers to work in close synergy with the elected representatives while formulating and executing the government schemes and initiatives. Earlier, the Chief Planning Officer Kupwara presented a detailed district profile of Kupwara. Afterwards, the Minister, along with the Advisor to Chief, distributed solar lights among all the constituencies of the district.
Later, the Minister, along with Advisor to Chief Minister, had a field visit during which he inspected Playground of HSS Kupwara and Sports Stadium Galizoo. MLA Kupwara was also present on the occasion. The Minister directed the officers to prepare a comprehensive DPR for construction of State of Art Sports facilities at these two grounds. The Minister met several deputations and directed the officers to ensure time-bound redressal of all their genuine grievances at the earliest.
