Block Diwas : Public Grievance, Redressal camp held at Thein in Keerian Gandial block

Kathua : As part of Public Outreach Programme, weekly Block Diwas proceedings were today held at Panchayat Thein of block Keerian Gandial. Chairperson DDC Kathua, Mahan Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Pandey, PRI members, District and Sectoral officers, besides a large number of people attended the programme.

Scores of individuals and deputations, including PRI members projected demands and apprised the District Administration about the problems faced by the inhabitants of their respective areas. The people submitted memorandum of demands and sought better road connectivity, drinking water supply in uncovered areas and other amenities.

The other main issues highlighted during the programme included meeting drinking water scarcity in Athialta, better road connectivity, Hatli- Mahnu road link, better mobile phone connectivity, maintenance of Dhar Road, shortage of staff in schools etc.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson said that the present dispensation under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is working with the resolve to take governance at the doorsteps of the public.

He said with the functioning of three tier Panchayati Raj System in Jammu & Kashmir the goal of development at grassroots level can be achieved at a much faster pace. He said the central government has launched several welfare schemes to uplift the social economic condition of the people, especially the rural populace which have huge economic dependence on agriculture and allied activities.

He appealed to people to avail the schemes offered by different departments and en-cash the income enhancing opportunities. The DDC Chairperson called for tapping the scope of tourism in Ranjit Sagar Dam Lake by introducing the Cruise ship service and ZipLine facilities which will also provide employment opportunities to the locals.

The DDC stressed upon the PRI representatives and Officers of concerned departments to work in tandem to achieve desired development targets in a set timelines. Addressing the gathering, the DC said the objective of holding Public Outreach Programme under Block Diwas was to reach out to the people and listen to their grievances besides extending an array of services and knowledge about different government schemes at their doorsteps.

He said initiatives like Block Diwas, Back To Village, My Town My Pride were launched with the aim to provide easy and accessible governance to the common masses, besides ensuring holistic development in rural and urban landscape of the district with active participation of all stakeholders.

The DC said district administration has rolled out a calendar for holding Gram Sabhas in every Panchayat at designated days every month. He further appealed PRIs to discuss and prioritize issues concerning the development of the Panchayat during the proceedings of Gram Sabhas.

Responding to the demands of people, the DC passed on the spot instructions to the concerned departments for time bound resolution of all the issues. He stressed upon the officers to prioritize the grievances. Similarly, Block Diwas proceedings were held in Billawar and Basohli sub divisions.