Chief Secretary Fixes Accountability for Completion, Utilisation of Hostel Infrastructure Across J&K
Srinagar, June 3 (PTK): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday directed all concerned departments to ensure the completion and operationalisation of hostel buildings across Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that public assets created with government funds must be fully utilised for the benefit of intended beneficiaries.
The directions were issued during a high-level review meeting convened to assess the status of hostels constructed by various departments and to formulate a roadmap for making all such facilities functional at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary School Education Department, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department, Managing Directors of Samagra Shiksha and RUSA, Directors of School Education Jammu and Kashmir, besides other senior officers.
Taking a comprehensive review of hostel infrastructure created under different schemes, the Chief Secretary expressed concern over several hostel buildings that remain non-functional despite substantial public investment.
He emphasized that assets developed through public funds should not remain idle and directed all departments to take immediate steps for their completion and operational use.
To ensure accountability, Dulloo directed the School Education Department to make respective Chief Education Officers (CEOs) responsible for the completion and operationalisation of hostel projects falling within their jurisdictions.
He further instructed the department to designate a dedicated mentoring officer for each hostel to closely monitor progress and address issues causing delays in completion and functioning.
Highlighting the importance of efficient utilisation of public resources, the Chief Secretary urged departmental heads and directors to prioritise making all completed hostel buildings functional without further delay.
He observed that considerable public funds had been invested in creating these facilities and stressed that they should serve their intended purpose of supporting students and improving educational access.
The Chief Secretary also directed departments to conduct a detailed assessment of hostel buildings that may not be suitable for their original purpose and explore alternative strategies for their productive use in the larger public interest.
He stressed that every public asset must contribute meaningfully towards social welfare, education and human development.
Additionally, he directed all concerned departments to furnish detailed information regarding the sanctioned capacity, occupancy levels and enrolment status of each hostel operating under their respective schemes to facilitate informed decision-making regarding future management and utilisation.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary School and Higher Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, presented a detailed overview of hostel infrastructure under the education sector, including functional and non-functional hostels as well as projects currently under construction.
He informed the meeting that hostels have been established across various districts under schemes such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) and other initiatives for boys and girls studying in schools and higher educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez, also presented a review of hostel facilities developed for students belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Pahari community, outlining their current status and efforts being made to improve their utilisation.
Representatives of the Tribal Affairs Department apprised the meeting about hostels established for tribal students, including details regarding availability, occupancy, operational readiness and projects currently under construction.
All departments assured the Chief Secretary that concerted efforts would be made to operationalise the hostel facilities at the earliest in accordance with the directions issued during the meeting.(PTK)
