JAMMU, Jun 23: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv. Devraj Sharma has hailed the Jammu and Kashmir Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) for securing the prestigious SKOCH Gold and Silver National Awards for its innovative digital governance initiatives, describing the achievement as a testament to the rapid transformation taking place in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a statement issued here, Sharma said that the national recognition accorded to the Automated Building Permission System (ABPS) and the J&K Gati Shakti GIS Asset Mapping System reflects the Union Territory’s growing stature as a model of transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric governance.
He said the awards are not merely accolades for a department but represent a larger shift towards modern governance, efficient public service delivery and digital empowerment of citizens. According to Sharma, these initiatives will have far-reaching implications for urban development, infrastructure planning, investment promotion and administrative efficiency across Jammu and Kashmir.
“The SKOCH Awards are among the most respected recognitions in the field of governance and public administration. Jammu and Kashmir receiving two such national awards demonstrates that the UT is steadily emerging as a frontrunner in adopting innovative digital solutions for public welfare,” Sharma remarked.
Highlighting the significance of the Automated Building Permission System, Sharma said that the technology-driven platform has brought unprecedented transparency and accountability in the process of granting building permissions. By reducing human intervention and introducing automated scrutiny through Auto DCR and GIS-based verification, the system has minimized delays, curbed discretionary practices and improved ease of doing business for citizens, architects, builders and investors.
He observed that faster approvals and transparent procedures will encourage planned urban development, attract investments in the housing sector and contribute significantly to economic growth and employment generation.
Speaking about the J&K Gati Shakti GIS Asset Mapping System, Sharma said the platform would prove instrumental in ensuring scientific urban planning and efficient utilization of public resources. The digital mapping of infrastructure assets will enable authorities to identify developmental gaps, avoid duplication of projects, improve inter-departmental coordination and ensure optimum use of public funds.
“The future of governance lies in data-driven decision-making. The GIS-based asset mapping system will empower administrators to make informed decisions based on real-time information, resulting in better infrastructure planning and improved service delivery for the people,” he said.
Sharma further noted that the recognition validates the visionary leadership of Commissioner Secretary H&UDD Mandeep Kaur and the dedicated efforts of officers, technical teams and Urban Local Bodies involved in implementing these transformative projects.
He said the achievement aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and reflects the success of the Digital India initiative in reaching every corner of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Discussing the way forward, Sharma stressed the need to further expand digital governance initiatives across various sectors such as revenue, rural development, municipal services, public grievance redressal, healthcare and education. He advocated greater integration of Artificial Intelligence, GIS technology and real-time monitoring systems to enhance administrative efficiency and public accountability.
The senior BJP leader also called for extensive awareness campaigns and capacity-building programmes to ensure that citizens, especially those in semi-urban and rural areas, can fully benefit from the digital services being introduced by the government.
“Technology should not remain confined to government offices. Its true success lies in making governance more accessible, transparent and responsive for every citizen. These award-winning initiatives should serve as a catalyst for broader digital transformation across Jammu and Kashmir,” Sharma said.
Adv. Devraj Sharma expressed confidence that with continued focus on innovation, transparency and public participation, Jammu and Kashmir will emerge as a benchmark for smart governance and sustainable urban development in the country. He congratulated the Housing and Urban Development Department and all stakeholders associated with the projects for bringing national recognition to the Union Territory and setting new standards in public service delivery.