Chief Secretary Reviews Governance Framework
Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the performance of the General Administration Department (GAD), with a sharp focus on fast-tracking recruitment, enhancing transparency, and improving service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir’s government departments.
The session, attended by Administrative Secretaries from multiple departments, explored key governance challenges and identified immediate priorities. Dulloo urged officials to adopt a mission-oriented and time-bound approach to public service, emphasizing the values of innovation, efficiency, and public trust.
Recruitment Timelines and Efficiency Goals
One of the pivotal themes of the meeting was expediting recruitment processes. Atal Dulloo directed the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) to fill 1,500 Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) positions within clearly defined timelines. He stressed that timely recruitment is essential for enhancing grassroots-level efficiency and public service delivery.
He also instructed both the Public Service Commission and the JKSSB to eliminate procedural delays and adopt a proactive strategy in addressing vacancies. “No unnecessary delays will be tolerated,” he noted, urging recruitment bodies to maintain transparency and efficiency throughout all stages of hiring.
HR Management and Digitization of Rules
Addressing the significance of human resource policies, Dulloo emphasized that employee welfare is integral to administrative success. He directed officials to digitize the entire process of framing and amending recruitment rules, ensuring that these operations are conducted online for better transparency and real-time monitoring.
“Digital operations will not only reduce delays but also streamline governance and make the system more accountable,” he explained.
Capacity Building and Skill Development
Acknowledging the need for ongoing skill enhancement, the Chief Secretary announced the formation of a Capacity Building Unit (CBU) under the government’s Mission Karmayogi initiative. This unit will coordinate training and upskilling programs for government employees, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability in public administration.
Dulloo expressed concern over the low compliance rates regarding employee registration on the Karmayogi portal. He directed departments to encourage participation, stating that this platform is crucial for improving core competencies in public service delivery.
Transparency, RTI Compliance, and Public Disclosure
The Chief Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to open governance. He instructed all departments to ensure proactive disclosure of information within 15 days, as per applicable norms. This, he said, would ensure that citizens have timely access to vital policies and decisions.
He also stressed the importance of expeditiously resolving pending Right to Information (RTI) cases. “Responding to information requests on time is a key tenet of accountable governance,” he noted.
Employee Promotions and Service Matters
To address delays in employee promotions, Dulloo urged each department to prepare a concrete action plan detailing the number of pending Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) cases and the timeline for their resolution. “Promotions significantly influence employee morale and organizational effectiveness,” he stated, emphasizing the need to streamline service matters promptly.
Citizen-Centric Governance and PSGA Portal
As part of his citizen-first agenda, the Chief Secretary ordered the launch of a new Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) portal within a week. This portal will act as a centralized platform to monitor public service delivery, reduce delays, and foster accountability in ensuring that services are rendered within stipulated timeframes.
Accelerating Regular Departmental Actions and Compassionate Appointments
Regarding pending Regular Departmental Action (RDA) cases, Dulloo instructed administrative departments to review progress regularly and ensure swift disposal. He also addressed the need to expedite compassionate appointments under SRO-43 and the newly implemented Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).
He directed departments to promptly place eligible cases before designated committees for approval and issuance of orders, ensuring timely support for families of deceased employees.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.