*Says Govt to support enhancing SKIMS’ stature
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 24: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of Power Development Department (PDD) to assess progress on Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) tailored to achieve reduction in distribution losses. Besides Principal Secretary PDD, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Finance; MD JPDCL/KPDCL; Chief Engineers, representatives from PESL, NTPC and other concerned officers of the department.
The Chief Secretary asked the department to make strenuous efforts towards achieving time bound progress on implementation of this ambitious scheme. He termed it significant for substantial reduction in Actual Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses across the UT.
Dulloo asked the department to devise a proper monitoring mechanism to ensure timely execution of works with desired outcomes. He enjoined upon the DISCOMS of both the divisions to ensure the set targets are achieved within the fixed deadline.
The Chief Secretary enquired about the status of smart metering and other loss reduction works accomplished in different districts of the UT by different executing agencies. He also asked about the physical progress registered in each package of work awarded to PIA.
In the presentation, the Principal Secretary Power, H. Rajesh Prasad, gave out a detailed description about the RDSS works being executed across different districts of the UT.
Regarding its objectives, he informed that the scheme aims at improving the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to customers through an efficient distribution system.
The meeting was further apprised that implementation of these works had resulted in sharp decline in the gap between Average Cost of Power (ACP) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR).
As far as other LR works are concerned, it was added that the scope includes LT cable replacement work, HVDS, HT Line cabling, HT Line (Conductor), Feeder segregation etc. It was also revealed that different project implementing agencies including PESL, NTPC, RECPDCL have been assigned specific works for completion in a time bound manner.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary announced that the Government will provide the necessary support to enhance the academic and professional stature of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura.
He made this statement during his visit to SKIMS, where he engaged with the faculty, toured various patient care services, and held detailed discussions with faculty members.
While speaking on the occasion, Dulloo commended SKIMS for its contributions and encouraged the institution to continue mentoring and collaborating with medical colleges across the Union Territory.
He assured that the Government would provide full financial backing to further elevate SKIMS’ standing.
Dulloo also addressed the critical issue of the drug menace, calling for SKIMS’ involvement in combating the problem, with Government support for actionable plans.
He stressed the need to balance infrastructure upgrades with advancements in academics and research, emphasizing the importance of aligning new academic courses with National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations. Dulloo urged SKIMS to match the performance of premier institutions like AIIMS.
The session began with a welcome address by Dr. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Professor and Head of the Colorectal Surgery Unit.
The Medical Superintendent, Prof. Farooq A Jan, provided an overview of SKIMS’ performance over the past 100 days, highlighting significant improvements in patient care, including the revamping of the Emergency Department—a major administrative challenge successfully addressed in its first phase.
The presentation also covered academic achievements and recent collaborations with esteemed institutions across the country.
Dean of the Medical Faculty, Professor Shariq Masoodi, spoke about SKIMS’ evolution from offering a single MD program in Medicine to becoming a comprehensive institution with over 50 courses across diverse medical and allied fields.
He also hinted at SKIMS’ aspirations to transition into a full-fledged medical university, which would enable it to offer a broader range of programs and provide crucial support.
Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, reiterated the pivotal role the institution plays in healthcare and medical education, expressing confidence that SKIMS would serve as a model for others across the country.
During the interaction, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Senior Professor of Gastroenterology, and Dr. Muzaffar Maqsood Wani, Executive Secretary of the SKIMS Faculty Forum, briefed the Chief Secretary on various challenges faced by the faculty.
As part of his visit, the CS toured various departments, including the Cath Lab, Wards, Operation Theatre Block, Surgical and Pulmonary ICUs, State Cancer Institute, Emergency Department, and other key facilities. He interacted with faculty, staff, and patients, accompanied by Director SKIMS and others.
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