Pulwama, February 23: The Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC) Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, presided over a General Council meeting at the Circuit House, Pulwama, to assess the progress of development projects and review the overall performance for the financial year 2025–26.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chief Planning Officer Aashiq Hussain Khanday delivered a detailed presentation on the physical and financial progress achieved under the District Capex Budget 2025–26. He also briefed the Council on developments under the Area Development Fund (DDC/BDC/PRI), outlining sector-wise accomplishments, completed and ongoing projects, expenditure details, and departmental targets.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson emphasized the need for timely completion of projects while maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and approved timelines. He called upon all departments to prevent any lapse of funds and ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in implementing development initiatives.
As the current Council approached the end of its term, the Chairperson reflected on the evolving role of the District Development Council and underscored the importance of the Panchayati Raj Act in empowering grassroots democracy. He observed that although development is a primary objective of Panchayati Raj Institutions, their broader purpose lies in ensuring last-mile service delivery and amplifying the voices of marginalized and underserved communities through the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
He also expressed appreciation for the administration’s continued support and coordination, noting that the Pulwama District Development Council has consistently ranked among the top-performing councils due to strong synergy and effective collaboration.
Council members who spoke during the meeting shared their experiences and highlighted key developmental initiatives undertaken in their respective constituencies. They commended the improved inter-departmental coordination that facilitated effective scheme implementation at the grassroots level and expressed satisfaction with the district’s overall progress. The members emphasized the need to maintain the current pace of development.
The meeting was attended by DDC Members from Achgoze, Aripal, Awantipora-II, Dadsara, Kakapora-I, Kakapora-II, Newa, Pampore, Pulwama-II, Shadimarg, and Tral, along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineers of PWD, Jal Shakti and PMGSY, Chief Agriculture Officer, Block Development Officers, and other concerned officials.