Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta today said open public-government interaction channels are essential in a democratic setup to successfully undertake and execute plans for socio-economic development of any region.The Speaker said this at a function organized to launch multiple public works to strengthen public infrastructure in Jammu city especially with regard to sanitation and drainage.Kavinder Gupta said focused efforts are being made for improving public access to administration. “We envision for the state an open public-government communication channel where the people can, without any inhibitions, come to concerned public representatives and government functionaries with their concerns,” he said.Speaker said the government is, through multifarious means, trying to instill and restore confidence of general populace in the democratic institutions.“With dedicated administrative set up, continuously working to evaluate shortcomings in public infrastructure, and devising strategies to reinforce it, the people of the city will soon have healthy infrastructure that is essential for socio-economic development of any region,” he asserted further.
He urged the public to come up with their concerns, issues and communicate the same to government so that all inclusive equitable development is ensured through a transparent and accountable mechanism. He said people have to act as eyes and ears of the government and act on two fronts - to inform what needs to be done and to inform when something is not done right. He hoped that the people will come out and become equal contributors in shaping the state and the nation.Among others, the Speaker launched works for upgradation of lane and drain at Nanak Nagar and Gandhi Nagar at an estimated cost of Rs 5 lakh. The project is being executed by JMC.The locals, during the event apprised the Speaker of various issues being faced by them, including irregular water supply, sanitation etc.The Speaker assured the people that all their genuine demands will be taken up through the appropriate channels and will be resolved at the earliest.Also present on the occasion were various local, community leaders, AEE JMC Gurcharan Singh, JE JMC Dalip Raina besides officials from other concerned departments.