Srinagar, April 15 (KINS): The Jammu & Kashmir Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) convened a key meeting on Saturday in Srinagar to strategize and schedule its activities for the next 4–6 months across the Kashmir Division.
Chaired by Dr. G.N. Qasba (Vice Chairman, Kashmir), the meeting was attended by prominent members including A.M. Watali (IPS Rtd., Executive Committee Member), Kh. Bashir Ahmad (IAS Rtd.), Prof. Gul Mohammad, Mir Showkat Ahmad, Bashir Ahmad (Executive Committee Member), Mr. G.M. Andrabi ( Joint Secretary), and Shahnawaz Bukhari, JKAS, Joint Director Information (Special Invitee).
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing IIPA’s presence and programs in the region, with a renewed focus on issues of good governance and effective public administration. The members expressed appreciation for the consistent guidance and support extended by Patron Dr. Ashok Bhan and Chairman Mr. B.R. Sharma.
One of the key topics discussed was the need for a dedicated space to conduct IIPA activities in Srinagar. In this regard, members noted a formal communication from the Chairman to the Chief Secretary. Pending a final decision, it was proposed to utilize the Conference Hall at the Directorate of Information, Residency Road, subject to requisite approvals.
Plans are underway to hold the Annual Debating Contest by August, with members tasked to suggest and finalize the theme. A proposal by Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, former Advisor to the Governor, to organize a lecture on a significant public issue was welcomed by the house.
The committee also agreed to invite the Transport Commissioner to deliver a talk on the use of Information Technology to improve service delivery in the Transport Department. Traffic management in Srinagar emerged as a critical topic, and members proposed engaging key stakeholders, including the Traffic Police, for a focused discussion.
The meeting concluded with a resolution to conduct a series of thematic, small-group sessions in the coming months to address pressing governance-related challenges in the region.(KINS)
