Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jan 08: Imtiyaz Ahmad, Joint Director of Planning in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, concludes a transformative four-year tenure with notable achievements, including a National E-Governance Award and impactful initiatives spanning governance, social issues, and infrastructure development.
Notable among his achievements is the creation of a ground-breaking digital product, earning the district the prestigious National E-Governance Award. This product, inspired by global indices, revolutionized governance by providing real-time monitoring and ranking of Panchayats, fostering evidence-based decision-making.
During his tenure, the district witnessed significant advancements in governance indicators, securing the top spot in deliverables assigned by the UT Government. His proactive approach extended to social issues, where he spearheaded the "No Drug Campaign" and established the district's first Drug De-Addiction Centre, serving as a pivotal link between judiciary, police, and administration.
Similarly, Women empowerment became a cornerstone of his agenda, with initiatives like the establishment of a One Stop Centre, Mahila Shakti Kendra, and the publication of a comprehensive book, "Parvaz," outlining women welfare schemes. A dedicated study on "Domestic Violence Prevalence in post-Covid Bandipora" further showcased his commitment to addressing societal challenges.
In the education sector, he focused on improving learning outcomes, identifying low-performing schools, and introducing Smart classrooms. His efforts in beautifying public spaces gained widespread appreciation, with projects like Harmukh Chowk showcasing local art and cultural heritage.
The officer's leadership in promoting sports and organizing youth-centric activities, including Science Melas and Festivals, underscored his commitment to holistic development. As a coordinator for B2V4 and Jan Abhiyan, he played a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of government schemes
In terms of infrastructure, the district witnessed a paradigm shift with Imtiyaz's meticulous planning. A first-of-its-kind door-to-door census identified households without functional water connections, leading to a comprehensive Jal Jeevan Mission Project worth 487 crores. Over 700 kilometres of roads were macadamized, and the power infrastructure saw substantial improvement.
The Power infrastructure even witnessed a good jump are the basic changes the district has seen. There were properly designed plans in almost all other sectors of socio-economic importance in Bandipora which will bear fruits in times to come due to painstaking efforts of the officer.
