DC Kathua reviews progress on VAPs under Vibrant Villages Programme-II

DC Kathua chairing a meeting on Saturday.
DC Kathua chairing a meeting on Saturday.

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 14: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma chaired a follow-up meeting today to review the progress achieved in the formulation of Village Action Plans (VAPs) under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for identified border villages of the district.
The meeting was held in continuation of earlier deliberations on modalities for the preparation of the plans. Officers of line departments apprised the chair regarding the status of data validation, identification of priority gaps and proposed interventions under different thematic sectors.
Detailed discussions were held on aligning departmental proposals with the needs emerging from the baseline survey conducted in villages including Bobiya, Kadiyala, Ganjal, Karol Krishna, Rathua and Gujar Chack.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to ensure that the proposed activities truly reflect ground realities and respond to the genuine needs of the local population. He directed the officers to adopt a practical and result-oriented approach so that the programme leads to visible improvement in socio-economic indicators.
Emphasising convergence, the DC asked departments to map available resources, avoid duplication and work in close coordination to maximise impact. He underscored that the ultimate objective of VVP-II is to bring tangible and measurable outcomes in terms of better infrastructure, enhanced livelihood opportunities and improved quality of life in border villages.
The Deputy Commissioner further instructed the officers to finalise the Village Action Plans within stipulated timelines and ensure that implementation begins in a mission mode with continuous monitoring.
GM DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh and Nodal Officers, along with officers of the concerned departments, were present in the meeting.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the progress of ongoing works being executed under MPLADS and the MLA Constituency Development Fund (MLACDF). He directed the executing agencies to maintain quality standards, ensure adherence to timelines and remove bottlenecks for the timely completion of projects. He emphasised regular field inspections and proper utilisation of funds so that the assets created deliver maximum benefit to the public.