SRINAGAR, JAMMU & KASHMIR – On May 19, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting to review reorganisation proposals for departments and agencies under the Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD). The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and promote sustainable urban governance across the Union Territory.
The meeting, attended by key officials including Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Commissioner Secretary HUDD Mandeep Kaur, focused on restructuring various HUDD bodies to improve service delivery and address urban challenges. Commissioner Secretary Kaur presented a comprehensive overview of the proposals, which have received financial concurrence, aimed at optimizing human resource deployment and streamlining administrative functions.
Key proposals include the restructuring of the J&K Housing Board to address staff imbalances, with over 50% of its current employees in Class IV roles, by creating technical posts to boost functionality. The Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA) will undergo re-designation of scientific and technical posts to align with Pollution Control Committee standards. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Jammu Municipal Corporation will see administrative reforms to address manpower and budgetary constraints, with new recruitment rules formulated for JMC. The Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) and Urban Environmental Engineering Department will also undergo restructuring to enhance project execution, waste management, and sanitation systems.
Chief Minister Abdullah emphasised that these reforms align with the vision of sustainable urban development, transparency, and administrative efficiency. “The implementation of these proposals will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Housing and Urban Development Department, generate substantial financial savings, and streamline urban governance across Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
This initiative complements other recent efforts by the Chief Minister, including the inauguration of an Old Age Home in Pandach and the foundation stone laying for a Science Block at GCET Safapora, reflecting a holistic approach to social welfare and technical education alongside urban development.
