Ganderbal, Dec 23 (KNO): Despite the availability of a new government building, the Sakhi One Stop Centre (SOSC) continues to operate from a rented location, leading to an unnecessary expenditure of public funds in Ganderbal district.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Sakhi One Stop Centre, which provides essential support to women affected by violence, has been paying rent for its current premises.
Meanwhile, a newly constructed government building in the district has remained unutilized, raising concerns about the wastage of taxpayer money.
Sources confirmed that orders to shift the centre to the government building were passed in July 2024 but the relocation has yet to take place.
Local residents and women’s rights activists are urging the authorities to act swiftly to ensure better resource utilization and more accessible services for women in need.
A local resident, Altaf Ahmad told KNO that it is disheartening to see that a new government building is standing empty while the centre continues to pay rent. “This is misuse of taxpayer money that could be put to better use elsewhere.”
Javaid Ahmad, a social activist from Ganderbal, added, “The Sakhi Centre provides vital services to women facing violence and moving it to the new government building will not only save money but also offer better facilities to women in need of support.”
The delay in relocating the centre has sparked widespread criticism, with calls growing louder for the authorities to act promptly and ensure the efficient use of public funds.
An official told KNO that the shift will occur within 10 days, assuring that despite some pending clearance work, everything will be completed within the given timeframe.
Locals appealed to the cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo to prioritize and address this matter at earliest—(KNO)