Srinagar, Oct 12 (KNS): Dr Basharat Qayoom, IAS, on Monday assumed charge as Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Chief Executive Officer of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), stressing the need for citizen-centric governance, improved municipal services and timely redressal of public grievances.

Qayoom succeeds Faz Lul Haseeb, IAS, in the two positions.

A brief function was held at the SMC headquarters to welcome the newly appointed Commissioner and CEO. Senior officers and officials of SMC and SSCL welcomed him and assured their full cooperation in strengthening civic administration and ensuring efficient, accessible and responsive municipal services.

Addressing officers and officials, Qayoom reiterated his commitment to a "Citizen First" approach, saying residents must remain at the centre of the Corporation's policies, programmes and service delivery mechanisms.

He emphasised the importance of administrative accountability, effective interdepartmental coordination and timely resolution of public grievances to address the everyday civic concerns of Srinagar residents.

The Commissioner called for strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms, improving the delivery of essential municipal services and ensuring greater responsiveness to public complaints and feedback.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also stressed the need for a coordinated and forward-looking approach to transforming Srinagar into a sustainable, clean and liveable city, saying urban development initiatives must translate into tangible improvements in the quality of life of residents.

Qayoom, who brings extensive administrative experience to the position, is expected to oversee ongoing urban development programmes, Smart City initiatives and measures aimed at improving the efficiency, accessibility and accountability of municipal services.

Officials said priority would be accorded to strengthening civic infrastructure, improving sanitation and other essential municipal amenities, promoting sustainable urban planning and ensuring timely implementation of development projects.

Greater emphasis would also be placed on public participation, citizen engagement and responsive grievance redressal to address public concerns and improve service delivery.

The administration would work towards building on existing initiatives to ensure that the benefits of urban development reach residents through better civic amenities, improved public services and an enhanced quality of life, officials said. (KNS)