Srinagar, April 15: The Jammu & Kashmir Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) held a meeting in Srinagar on Saturday to chalk out plans for upcoming programs focused on good governance and public administration across the Kashmir Division over the next few months.
According to an official spokesperson, the meeting was attended by Vice Chairman (Kashmir) Dr. G.N. Qasba, A.M. Watali (IPS Rtd.), Executive Committee Member Kh. Bashir Ahmad (IAS Rtd.), Prof. Gul Mohammad, Mr. Mir Showkat Ahmad, Mr. Bashir Ahmad (Executive Committee Member), Mr. G.M. Andrabi (Hon. Joint Secretary), and Shahnawaz Bukhari (JKAS), Joint Director Information, who joined as a special invitee.
The members unanimously resolved to revitalize IIPA’s activities in the region, emphasizing crucial governance issues and public service improvements. They acknowledged with appreciation the continued support and guidance of IIPA’s Patron Dr. Ashok Bhan and Chairman Mr. B.R. Sharma.
Among the key decisions taken was the plan to pursue dedicated accommodation for IIPA’s activities in Srinagar. A DO letter by the Chairman to the Chief Secretary in this regard was discussed, and as an interim arrangement, the use of the Conference Hall at the Directorate of Information on Residency Road was proposed, pending approval from the Director Estates and Secretary Information.
The committee also scheduled the Annual Debating Contest for August this year, with members tasked to suggest or finalize the contest theme. A proposal from Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, former Advisor to the Governor, to host a special lecture on a topic of public interest received unanimous support. It was further resolved to invite the Transport Commissioner to speak on how Information Technology is enhancing service delivery in the Transport Department.
The urgent need to address traffic management in Srinagar also featured prominently in the discussions, with members proposing to engage stakeholders such as the Traffic Police to develop effective strategies.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to organizing smaller, thematic sessions on governance-related issues in the months ahead, aimed at fostering dialogue and actionable insights for better public administration in Jammu and Kashmir.