Baramulla, January 17 (KNS): After assuming the office of District Development Commissioner/Deputy Commissioner Baramulla some two and a half years back in June 2018, Dr G N Itoo always thought as to how this frontier district can be placed at the top of best performing districts of the country. This vision and commitment made him to work tirelessly and selflessly with full dedication which bore its fruits and the district achieved marvelous records in some of the vital parameters of development.
An able administrator and a visionary officer, Dr Itoo believed in thinking out of the box for solving some complicated problems. Incorporation of administrative innovations and following democratic approach by taking every stakeholder on board enables him to take the district to the new heights of development and socio-economic welfare. His kind and empathetic behavior with the subordinates besides considering their opinions in decision making, probably makes him a unique and dynamic public authority.
If we look at the development graph of district Baramulla, several projects having vital public significance were inaugurated in his tenure that were thitherto halted by one way or the other. To name a few, SRTC bridge at Old town Baramulla was completed after a long period. Inauguration of Govt polytechnic College at Kanispora, Govt Medical College Baramulla and Indoor Sports Stadium at Khawjabagh, laying of foundation stones for several Govt Degree Colleges across Baramulla are some other examples that can be added to his developmental journey.
For safeguarding the lives of people living in border areas and who are the prime victims during cross LoC shelling, Dr G N Itoo took some major initiatives with regard to their safety and rehabilitation. Community and individual bunkers were sanctioned by the central government for the affected areas which is listed among his major achievements.
Another achievement worth mentioning is the approach that was followed by Dr Itoo during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. During this tough time wherein the challenges were manifold ranging from containing the spread of infection to providing essential commodities to the people, he remained successful at every front. For the first time, several NGOs of the district were mobilized effectively who remained at the forefront while carrying out different welfare activities. Essential commodities viz rice, atta, LPG etc were delivered at the peoples doorsteps which became possible only though the proper mobilization of resources be it human resource or some other.
Baramulla district has also brought laurels for the erstwhile state of J&K as it achieved the top slot in NITI Aayog’s delts ranking released by the think tank in April 2019. To recognize this marvelous achievement, Baramulla district got some additional funds as an incentive. Recently, the Government has approved the construction of much needed Sangrama flyover which is a significant move to reduce the traffic mess on National highway.
Youth engagement has remained one of his thrusted areas and several programmes were organized by him in order to channelize the potential of our youth. By organizing different sports events, youth parliaments and conventions, Dr Itoo believed that such initiatives will help to nurture the young talent which otherwise gets deviated towards some wrong activities.
A major breakthrough was achieved at that time when after almost 15 years, the selection list of 2006 Class IV posts was finalized in which about 200 candidates were appointed. Dr Itoo has also mobilized various departments like animal and sheep husbandry, agriculture, horticulture, sericulture, fisheries etc who worked enthusiastically to disseminate awareness about various flagship programmes meant to provide sustainable livelihood to our unemployed youth.
Another milestone that was achieved by Dr Itoo was the smooth and peaceful conduct of elections in the district. Right from Parliamentary to Panchayat/DDC/ULB elections, he along with his team worked day in and day so as to conduct these exercises successfully.
The ambitious programme “Back to Village” and its subsequent phases were also carried out smoothly under his dynamic leadership through which public service delivery and grievance redressel mechanism was strengthened and streamlined.
Regarding the upgradation and development of basic infrastructure in health institutions, Dr Itoo has signed MoUs with NHPC Uri through which NHPC financed about Rs 10 crore as part of the CSR component of funding. The amount was used to upgrade the infrastructure in health institutions by incorporation of modern and sophisticated machinery in order to provide better and qualitative health and Medicare services.
To conclude, it can be said that several milestones worth appreciation were achieved during his tenure as DC Baramulla. It is worth here to mention that in a recent order issued by J&K administration, Dr G N Itoo has been transferred and posted as Director Tourism to discharge his further duties (KNS).