RAJOURI, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party District President Rajouri and General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, Adv. Syed Manzoor Bukhari, has extended a warm welcome to the newly posted Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, expressing hope that his tenure will usher in improved public services, responsive governance and strengthened healthcare facilities across the district.
In a press statement, Bukhari appreciated the Deputy Commissioner’s professional approach, dignified conduct and initial interaction with the public during the Rajouri Public Darbar, stating that these initiatives had generated optimism among residents of the remote, hilly and border district.
He also appreciated the officer’s reported focus on cleanliness, civic discipline and improving the overall appearance of Rajouri town. Observing that the initial impression of an administrative officer often shapes public expectations, Bukhari expressed confidence that the new Deputy Commissioner would address the district’s longstanding developmental and administrative challenges with sensitivity and commitment.
Highlighting the difficulties faced by residents, Bukhari said that people living in remote, hilly and border areas frequently encounter challenges in accessing essential public services and obtaining timely redressal of their grievances.He observed that, at times, the expectations of ordinary citizens remained inadequately addressed, making it imperative for the district administration to play a proactive role in resolving public issues.
Bukhari emphasised that the office of the Deputy Commissioner was an important institution through which citizens could seek administrative assistance, justice and guidance. He expressed hope that the new incumbent would uphold the principles of impartiality, transparency and accountability, ensuring that every grievance received due consideration without discrimination based on caste, creed, religion, colour or political affiliation.He further stressed that even seemingly minor public grievances deserved timely attention, as unresolved local issues often caused considerable hardship to ordinary families.
Drawing particular attention to healthcare, Bukhari expressed hope that the Deputy Commissioner would accord priority to strengthening medical facilities across Rajouri district, keeping in view his distinguished medical background.He described Government Medical College (GMC) and Associated Hospital, Rajouri, as a vital healthcare institution serving lakhs of people from Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi and adjoining areas.
However, he said that concerns had repeatedly been raised by members of the public regarding alleged administrative irregularities, staff shortages, delays in making medical equipment operational, prolonged waiting periods for surgeries and diagnostic procedures, and the need for greater sensitivity towards patients and their attendants.He also referred to complaints that some patients were allegedly referred to private healthcare facilities, where treatment could impose a substantial financial burden on already distressed families.
Bukhari urged the Deputy Commissioner to seek a comprehensive report from the concerned authorities regarding the institution’s functioning, staffing position, availability and operational status of medical equipment, patient-care arrangements and the timely provision of essential medical services.He stressed that any shortcomings established through a proper review should be addressed through appropriate corrective measures in coordination with the competent health authorities.
“Strengthening GMC Rajouri and ensuring accessible, affordable and timely treatment for patients must receive focused attention. The health and lives of ordinary people cannot be compromised by avoidable administrative delays or deficiencies in service delivery,” Bukhari said.He added that improving the functioning of the institution would significantly benefit residents of Rajouri and neighbouring districts, reduce the need for patients to travel elsewhere for treatment where adequate local facilities could be provided, and help restore public confidence in the government healthcare system.
Bukhari also suggested that the newly posted Deputy Commissioner could consult his predecessor to benefit from the experience, observations and administrative insights gained during the latter’s tenure.He acknowledged that the Deputy Commissioner’s responsibilities were extensive and that it might not always be possible for the officer to personally address every individual complaint. Nevertheless, he expressed hope that serious public concerns, particularly those relating to healthcare and essential services, would receive timely attention through the appropriate administrative channels.
He emphasised the need for effective coordination among the district administration, health authorities and other concerned departments to ensure that public grievances were addressed through concrete action rather than remaining confined to official correspondence.Concluding his statement, Bukhari, on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Rajouri, and the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, expressed hope that the new Deputy Commissioner’s tenure would prove beneficial for the people of the district.
He said that the residents expected an administration that was accessible, transparent, responsive and committed to improving the quality of public services, particularly in remote and border areas.He expressed confidence that sustained attention to healthcare, civic amenities, grievance redressal and local development would strengthen public trust and contribute to the overall welfare of Rajouri district.