Pulwama, Sep 9, KNT: The absence of a regular Block Development Officer (BDO) in Kakapora Block of Pulwama district for over a year has pushed developmental works to a grinding halt, leaving locals and contractors frustrated. Despite being the peak working season, critical tasks such as tendering, file approvals, and bill clearances remain paralyzed.
Officials said the Rural Development Department (RDD) Directorate had entrusted the charge of Kakapora block to BDO Pampore, but the officer refused to assume responsibility. Earlier, the charge was with BDO Awantipora for more than a year, but her transfer to Pulwama with additional charge of Awantipora left Kakapora without an officer to oversee its functioning.
“This is the peak time for developmental works. But without a BDO, nothing is moving forward. Our bills have been lying pending for weeks. We have completed work under government schemes, but there’s no one to process our payments,” complained a group of contractors.
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The RDD plays a pivotal role in rural infrastructure development and schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). However, the lack of a BDO in Kakapora has crippled approvals of new projects and stalled execution of ongoing schemes.
Locals also expressed resentment, saying their grievances remain unattended in the absence of an officer. “The villages were expecting road repairs and drain constructions this season. But without administrative clearance, the files haven’t moved,” said contractors.
Ali Mohammad Jan, a resident of Kakapora, said villagers have been forced to make repeated trips to the office only to return disappointed. “We go there, and we are told to come back next week. People are tired of this neglect,” he said.
District Development Council (DDC) member Kakapora-I, Mir Abdul Qayoom, told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the vacancy has been repeatedly highlighted but no timeline has been provided for filling the post. “I met the RDD Director (Kashmir) in August who assured me the post would be filled the same month. But a month has passed and nothing has been done. Even though a list of BDO transfers and postings was issued on August 23 by the Secretary, Kakapora block was neglected,” Qayoom said, demanding immediate posting of a BDO in the block.
“Rural areas depend heavily on the RDD for development, employment, and infrastructure. The absence of a BDO casts a long shadow over planning as well as execution of works in the current financial year,” he added.
When contacted, a senior RDD official acknowledged the shortage of manpower but assured that a full-time BDO will soon be appointed in the block. [KNT]
