Stresses on better urban governance & operational efficiency in urban development set-up
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting to review proposals for the reorganisation of departments and agencies under the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD), emphasising the need to strengthen institutional capacity to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD Mandeep Kaur, Commissioners of the Srinagar and Jammu Municipal Corporations, Director General (Codes), Vice Chairpersons of the Srinagar Development Authority and Lakes Conservation & Management Authority and other senior officials.
At the outset, Commissioner Secretary H&UDD presented a comprehensive overview of the proposed departmental reorganisation, aimed at restructuring various constituent bodies of the department to enhance operational efficiency, clarify roles and responsibilities and improve service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.
She informed the meeting that the proposals, which have received financial concurrence, seek to optimise human resource deployment, increase efficiency, and strengthen urban governance mechanisms in Jammu & Kashmir.
Among the key proposals, the restructuring of the J&K Housing Board seeks to address the current staff imbalance—where over 50% of employees are Class IV—by rationalising and creating posts to improve technical capacity and overall functionality.
The reorganisation of the Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) involves the re-designation of scientific and technical posts to align with Pollution Control Committee standards, along with rationalisation of administrative roles. This is expected to enhance scientific capabilities and eliminate redundancy.
For the Town Planning Organisation (TPO), the focus is on strengthening town planning functions to meet the growing demands of modern urban development. The restructuring includes creation of specialised units, establishment of policy cells, and realignment of field offices for better coordination and project execution, the meeting was informed.
The Architects Organisation, established in 1971 and responsible for high-value infrastructure projects across J&K, will also undergo structural changes to revitalise its functioning and align with present-day infrastructural needs.
The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), which has seen a significant expansion in functions following the 74th Constitutional Amendment, currently faces manpower and budgetary constraints. The proposed reorganisation aims to redefine its administrative setup for better efficiency and service delivery.
In the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for Jammu and Kashmir, the proposed restructuring addresses staffing gaps, administrative overlaps, and urban sanitation issues. The proposals discussed place particular emphasis on the creation of posts relating to environmental protection and rationalisation of enforcement and revenue staff.
Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has already received approval from its Board for its restructuring proposal, which has been forwarded to the Administrative Department for further consideration.
Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) shall see a detailed comparative restructuring of both gazetted and non-gazetted posts to enhance project execution capabilities and improve policy implementation across expanding urban areas.
The meeting was also told about the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) reorganisation which focuses on strengthening technical manpower and introducing reforms to improve scientific waste management, drainage, and sanitation systems.
The meeting also reviewed the newly framed recruitment rules of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, formulated in light of the reorganisation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the implementation of these proposals would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Housing and Urban Development Department, generate substantial financial savings, and streamline urban governance across Jammu and Kashmir.
He affirmed that the reforms are aligned with the broader vision of sustainable urban development, transparency and administrative efficiency.