DDC Chairpersons Express Frustration with Administrative Apathy, Call for Reforms to Enhance Governance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 21: Today, a significant meeting took place involving the Chairpersons of District Development Councils (DDCs) from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, and Doda, focusing on pressing issues undermining the councils’ effectiveness due to administrative oversight. The Chairpersons raised concerns regarding a variety of vital matters, such as sluggish project implementation, insufficient authority, and limited financing, which they claim are hindering advancements in their areas.
The gathering featured Council Chairpersons— Bharat Bhushan Bodhi (Jammu), Keshav Dutt Sharma (Samba), Col Mahan Singh (Kathua), Lal Chand Bhagat (Udhampur), Saraf Singh Nag (Reasi), and Dhananter Singh Kotwal (Doda)—and reflected the increasing frustration within the councils due to the lack of meaningful engagement from authorities. Despite established protocols for efficient operations, the Chairpersons expressed their disillusionment with the indifference exhibited by the administrative framework.
A primary issue highlighted was the slow pace of development activities, which they linked to inadequate funding. The Chairpersons emphasized the lack of a coherent strategy for generating supplementary revenue, intensifying the difficulties faced by the councils. They also critiqued the prevailing administrative structure, wherein District Commissioners (DCs) still wield significant authority despite the establishment of District Development Councils.
The Chairpersons contended that either DCs ought to be appointed as Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the councils, or the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) should be granted comprehensive authority, reflecting the robust three-tier governance systems implemented in other states. Furthermore, they advocated for measures to hold officials accountable for misconduct, as the councils currently lack the capacity to address these matters.
An additional urgent concern was the procrastination in forming the five Standing Committees, a crucial element of the councils’ functionality. The Chairpersons also emphasized the necessity for unrestricted or CD funds to tackle pressing local issues that remain unresolved due to bureaucratic delays.
The Chairpersons made a heartfelt appeal to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, urging prompt action to address these matters, thus enabling the councils to fulfill their role in advancing development and welfare for the residents of J&K.