Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, MAY 21: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a Public Outreach Programme at Duggan, a remote block of Bani Sub-Division, to take first-hand appraisal of public grievances and developmental needs of the area.
The programme witnessed active participation from local residents, public representatives and members of various delegations who projected issues requiring immediate attention of the district administration.
The locals and public representatives highlighted several demands, seeking augmentation of health and education infrastructure, making the JK Bank branch at Duggan functional, meeting shortage of staff in the departments, opening of a Veterinary Hospital and an Allopathic Health Centre, release of pending land compensation, development of a playground, restoration of irrigation canals, adequate supply of agricultural inputs such as seeds and urea, upgradation of educational institutions and strengthening of power infrastructure in the area.
Responding to the demands, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment towards addressing public concerns and ensuring equitable development of remote and far-flung areas. “Improvement of road connectivity and infrastructure development are key priorities,” he assured
The DC directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to ensure maximum outreach and benefits to the people of Bani and Duggan under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He appealed to farmers and youth to avail benefits of horticulture, beekeeping and other livelihood generation schemes being implemented by the government.
Regarding the functioning of JK Bank branch at Duggan, the DC assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities to ascertain the reasons for delay and facilitate its early functioning. On the demand for a playground, he informed that the issue would be taken up with the Sports Council, while directions were issued to the education department to prepare proposals for strengthening educational infrastructure in the area.
The DC further informed that all land compensation cases related to developmental projects have been resolved except those pending due to disputes or litigation.
He urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and actively participate in the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and Mission YUVA for constructive engagement and tap self-employment opportunities. He assured the public that all genuine demands raised at the outreach programme have been duly noted and would be examined for appropriate and timely redressal.
Among others, the programme was attended by IAS Probationer Nidhi; CPO Ranjeet Thakur; SDM Bani Sundeep Kumar and officers from the line departments.
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