*Holds discussion with Union Secy DoSEL
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 30: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today reviewed the overall functioning of General Administration Department (GAD) at a meeting held at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting attended by Administrative Secretaries of all departments held threadbare discussions on various issues like accelerating reforms, enhancing transparency and strengthening service delivery across Government Departments.
While chairing the meeting, Atal Dulloo urged upon the officers to work in a mission-oriented, time-bound manner, with a strong emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and public trust to ensure that citizens must feel the difference through timely services, fair processes, and a clear framework of accountability.
Chief Secretary laid strong emphasis on filling vacancies in a time-bound manner and directed the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) to fill 1500 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) posts within fixed timelines, noting that timely recruitment is vital for improving efficiency at the grassroots level.
Stressing the need to remove bottlenecks and ensuring time-bound and transparent recruitment process, Dulloo called upon the Public Service Commission and JKSSB to fast track recruitment process at all stages.
He said that no unnecessary delays will be tolerated and directed the concerned to adopt a proactive approach in filing vacancies, ensuring that positions are filled efficiently and without administrative lag.
Chief Secretary emphasized that addressing human resource (HR) issues of employees is as critical as other administrative priorities.
Atal Dulloo stressed the importance of leveraging technology, instructing officials to make the process of framing and amending recruitment rules fully online, thereby eliminating delays and ensuring transparency.
He said that digitisation of recruitment rules would allow for smooth, exclusive, and real-time online operas, ensuring better monitoring and accountability.
Recognizing the need for continuous skill development in governance, Atal Dulloo ordered the creation of a dedicated Capacity Building Unit (CBU) under Mission Karmayogi.
CBU, he said will be responsible for systematic training and upskilling of employees, with the aim of fostering a culture of innovation, efficiency, and accountability in public administration
Chief Secretary also raised concerns over the non-compliance of employees in registering on the Karmayogi portal, designed to enhance core competencies for effective public service delivery.
Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability, Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to openness in governance. He directed all departments to ensure proactive disclosure of information within 15 days under relevant norms, so that citizens have easy access to key decisions and policies.
Atal Dulloo also called for the expeditious disposal of pending RTI cases, noting that timely response to information requests is a cornerstone of accountable governance.
Regarding Departmental Promotions and Service matters, Chief Secretary called upon the Administrative Secretaries to streamline service matters and instructed each department to formulate a concrete action plan detailing how many pending Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) cases will be cleared within fixed timelines. He stressed that promotions are an important aspect of employee morale and organizational effectiveness and delays in the process must be eliminated.
As part of citizen-centric governance, the Chief Secretary directed the development of the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) portal within one week.
He said that the portal will act as a single-window platform to monitor the delivery of public services, reduce delays and provide greater accountability in ensuring time-bound citizen services.
Regarding the Regular Departmental Action Cases, Atal Dullo called upon the administrative departments to review the progress of pending RDA cases on regular intervals for swift disposal of the cases.
Regarding the compassionate appointments in favour of the kin of deceased employees under SRO-43 and newly christened Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS), the Chief Secretary underscored the need of further accelerating the process.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary held a meeting with Union Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Sanjay Kumar to review the ongoing education reforms in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The discussions focused on strengthening the education system, accelerating implementation of key initiatives, improving infrastructure and learning outcomes across the UT.
Detailed deliberations were also held on aligning the education system in J&K with the vision of National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes holistic, inclusive and skill-oriented learning.
Chief Secretary underscored the importance of ensuring that reforms under NEP reach every classroom, from primary to higher education levels, and stressed on early adoption of digital tools, vocational training, and mother tongue-based foundational learning.
During the meeting, PM SHRI Schools in J&K also came up for discussion and plans were discussed for expediting the process of upgrading identified schools with modern infrastructure, smart classrooms and innovative teaching practices.
Union Secretary said that idea of the scheme is to create nurturing, holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st-century skills and Centre will provide all assistance to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in this regard.
Chief Secretary also held a detailed discussion with Dr. V.K. Paul, Member NITI Aayog, on the measures required to enhance accessibility and availability of dental health services across the districts of J&K.
The meeting was coordinated by Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah. Others who were present includes Principals of Dental Colleges in J&K along with other concerned officers.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary highlighted the pressing challenges in the dental health sector, including non-availability of services at New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs), shortage of essential equipment, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of dental specialists. He emphasized that the high burden of oral diseases in J&K often leads to excessive tertiary referrals, creating stress on higher institutions.
Dr. V.K. Paul appreciated the efforts of the UT Government and assured NITI Aayog’s support in evolving a comprehensive plan to modernize and strengthen oral healthcare delivery.
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