Srinagar, 22 June 2026: Jammu & Kashmir Housing & Urban Development Department (J&K H&UDD) has achieved a significant milestone in the field of digital governance by securing two prestigious SKOCH National Awards – Gold and Silver for its innovative and citizen-centric digital transformation initiatives.
Both projects were conceptualized and initiated under the visionary directions and continuous guidance of Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, J&K Housing & Urban Development Department, with the objective of transforming public service delivery and enhancing digital governance across the Urban Development sector.
Her unwavering focus on innovation, transparency and technology-enabled governance has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of these initiatives.
On behalf of J&K H&UDD, Ankush Kapoor, Chief Informatics Officer & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), J&K H&UDD, received the awards during the SKOCH Awards Ceremony held in New Delhi.
The awards were conferred for the following flagship projects: 1. Automated Building Permission System (ABPS) using AutoDCR technology integrated with GIS-based Land Use. 2. J&K Gati Shakti GIS Asset Mapping System for comprehensive GIS-based asset mapping, monitoring and infrastructure planning.
The Automated Building Permission System has revolutionized the process of granting building permissions by introducing automated scrutiny of building plans through AutoDCR technology integrated with GIS-based land use verification.
The system has significantly reduced processing time, enhanced transparency, ensured compliance with planning regulations and improved ease of doing business for citizens and stakeholders.
The J&K Gati Shakti GIS Asset Mapping System has enabled digital mapping and monitoring of public infrastructure assets across Urban Local Bodies and government agencies.
The platform supports evidence-based planning, inter-departmental coordination, efficient asset management and informed decision-making through advanced GIS technology.
Both initiatives have brought about a transformative change in public service delivery, government digital functioning, monitoring mechanisms and data-driven governance across Jammu & Kashmir.
Following the award ceremony, Ankush Kapoor formally presented and handed over the SKOCH Gold and Silver Awards to Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary, J&K Housing & Urban Development Department, at Srinagar, acknowledging her leadership, guidance and support in steering these projects from conception to successful implementation and national recognition.
The Commissioner/Secretary appreciated the efforts of the officers, technical teams, Urban Local Bodies and all stakeholders associated with the projects and reiterated the Department's commitment towards leveraging technology for improving governance and delivering efficient, transparent and citizen-centric services.
The national recognition further reinforces Jammu & Kashmir's growing reputation as a leader in digital governance and highlights the Department's continued efforts towards building a modern, technology-driven and responsive urban administration.
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