Jammu: Mohd Ashraf
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has acknowledged in the Legislative Assembly that at least 20 government offices in Budgam district are currently functioning from rented buildings, highlighting serious infrastructural gaps in administrative functioning. The disclosure has triggered political debate over governance priorities and public service delivery in the district.
Replying to a starred question raised by Chadoora MLA Ali Mohammad Dar, the Government confirmed that several offices across different departments are operating from scattered locations, many of which are housed in rented accommodations. The Minister in charge informed the House that, as per official records, a total of 20 government offices in Budgam are functioning from rented premises.
However, in a significant revelation, the Government also stated that there is currently no proposal under consideration to construct a Unified Government Office Complex at the sub-district level to streamline these offices and improve public convenience. The Revenue Department has also reported that no such proposal is under examination, raising concerns about the lack of long-term infrastructure planning in the district.
According to the official annexure tabled in the Assembly, several key departments are functioning from rented buildings. These include the Irrigation Sub-Division Pakherpora operating under the Executive Engineer Irrigation Division Ompora Budgam, and the office of Assistant Director Fire and Emergency Services Command Budgam.
Multiple offices under the Horticulture Planning and Marketing Department, including the Area Market Office Budgam and Assistant Grading and Marketing offices in Chadoora and Beerwah, are also functioning from rented premises. Similarly, the District Audit Officer Cooperative Societies Budgam continues to operate from a rented building.
The Youth Services and Sports Department accounts for a significant number of such offices. Several Zonal Physical Education Offices, including Beerwah, B.K. Pora, Hardapanzu, Khansahib, Magam, Nagam, Narbal and Soibugh, are all functioning from rented locations.
Furthermore, multiple Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) offices under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme in Beerwah, B.K. Pora, Chadoora, Narbal, Nagam and Khansahib are also housed in rented buildings.
The absence of a unified administrative complex has sparked criticism from political representatives, who argue that scattered offices create inconvenience for the public, delay service delivery and increase financial burden on the Government due to recurring rental expenses. Legislators have stressed that a centralised complex would not only enhance administrative efficiency but also ensure better coordination among departments.
Observers believe the Government’s admission reflects deeper structural challenges in district-level governance and infrastructure development. With Budgam being one of the key districts in Central Kashmir, political leaders have demanded that the administration formulate a comprehensive plan to consolidate government offices under one roof.
The issue is expected to gain further political traction as demands grow for improved governance infrastructure, particularly in districts witnessing rapid population growth and administrative expansion.
