The National Conference on Good Governance Practices underway in Bhubaneswar witnessed a compelling address by Ayushi Sudan, District Collector of Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, who shared the district’s remarkable journey of progress against the odds.
Speaking during the first session of the conference, Sudan drew attention to how a remote border district, often viewed through the lens of challenges such as harsh terrain, limited economic opportunities, and low access to basic amenities, has managed to script a developmental success story through focused governance reforms.
She elaborated on how the administration adopted a saturation-based approach to the implementation of flagship government schemes, ensuring no eligible household or citizen was left behind. Central to this effort was a carefully crafted six-point strategy aimed at improving accountability, fostering youth engagement, converging multiple welfare schemes, and encouraging active community participation.
As a result of this integrated and inclusive model, Kupwara has set new benchmarks in housing development. The district recorded the highest number of houses constructed under the PMAY-Gramin scheme in the Kashmir region, with 9,618 homes completed. In urban areas, 1,191 housing units were delivered under PMAY-Urban, significantly improving living standards for low-income families.
Sudan credited these outcomes to effective governance, meticulous planning, and strong grassroots engagement, underscoring that with the right approach, even the most difficult terrain can become fertile ground for sustainable development.
