Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Haji Haneefa Jan, chaired the third quarter meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) on November 17 at the Conference Hall, Baroo, Kargil.

The meeting reviewed the implementation and progress of various non-statutory Central Sponsored Schemes across the district, with a focus on improving service delivery and resolving ground-level challenges.

The session was attended by Executive Councillor  Mohd Feroz, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, district officers, and members of the committee.

During the review of agriculture and farmers’ welfare schemes, it was reported that while PM Kisan Yojna is being implemented successfully, the Bima Yojna is still underway. Expressing concern over delays in benefits reaching eligible farmers, the MP directed the department to ensure immediate and timely disbursement. Based on his recent field visits, the MP also flagged the lack of storage facilities in several villages and instructed concerned departments to arrange temporary godowns to ensure food security. The Deputy Commissioner assured the committee that winter stocking for the district had been completed by the end of September.

Under the health sector review, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Liyaqat reported a decline in caesarean section deliveries—from 418 last year to 363 this year—clarifying that C-sections are now performed strictly in emergencies. Addressing the persistent shortage of doctors in remote areas like Batambis and Itchu, the MP issued firm instructions to ensure at least one permanently posted doctor in each area and to fill all pending vacancies without delay. He directed that paramedical staff be retained in far-flung regions rather than being rotated elsewhere, and recommended posting a permanent allopathic doctor in Panikhar instead of an Amchi. He also instructed officials to conduct awareness campaigns for wider utilization of Ayushman Cards and ASHA services.

A major focus of the meeting was the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The Deputy Commissioner stressed strict enforcement of the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) policy and adherence to the norm of providing 55 litres of water per person per day, stored in underground tanks, especially given the depletion of natural springs. The MP directed that submersible pumps should cater to clusters of households rather than individual homes and emphasized regular monitoring of executing agencies. He also called for block-level meetings to identify issues before Phase II of JJM begins and urged stronger public awareness efforts on water conservation.

Progress under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin was also reviewed. The DC informed that sustainable waste collection for the entire district will be fully functional by December, with dry waste segregation already underway and revenue being generated through user charges.

Under MGNREGA, the MP instructed officials to ensure timely payments and improved service delivery, with a special focus on benefiting women and labourers.

In reviewing road connectivity projects under PMGSY, especially in Itchu and Sharchay, the MP urged officials to expedite construction on the Itchu road. He also stressed the need for proper footpaths to assist patient movement, which the DC assured would be completed soon.

Regarding urban development, the MP directed authorities to conduct clearance drives to remove unnecessary road blockages in Baroo and Ando areas and emphasized proper planning of parking spaces.

The meeting concluded with a review of additional matters including disability card issuance, BRO-related issues, and tourism development. MP Haneefa Jan urged all departments to work with sincerity and assured that matters requiring higher-level intervention would be taken up promptly. He emphasized that Kargil’s progress depends on coordinated and collective efforts from all stakeholders.