Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today remarked that the Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing tremendous development and the Administration is developing the Union Territory in a transparent manner with active participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Advisor made these comments while addressing a large gathering at Hiranagar in the ongoing festival of development ‘My Town My Pride’ programme. Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Bhatnagar said that the MTMP programme is a very unique initiative and reflects the policy of government for participative development.
He highlighted that the benefits of MTMP programme needs to be percolated down to the intended persons besides the programme will also pave way for faster development of urban areas. The Advisor also said that this initiative will be a continuous affair and the visiting officers will continue to be the mentors (Prabharis) of their assigned wards from now on.
He added that the locals need to participate in this developmental festival and interact with their Prabhari officer as and when they have any kind of grievance. Reflecting on various objectives of the MTMP programme, Advisor Bhatnagar said that the programme aims to deliver public services at doorsteps, build developmental initiatives on the feedback, cooperation and participation of people and strengthen strong and vibrant local self-governance.
He added that people should be made aware about the services available for their socio-economic development. The Advisor also maintained that the MTMP is focused to provide self- employment avenues to the unemployed youth and several departments are providing handholding to such persons who are interested to start their own employment ventures.
He urged upon the youth to come forward and avail the benefits of such self employment schemes. In his address, Advisor Bhatnagar emphasized upon the visiting officers, officers of line departments of district administration and representatives of Municipal wards that the town plan should be drafted in consultation and synergy with each other.
Highlighting that the Administration is monitoring the programme at all levels, the Advisor said that the Lieutenant Governor is very keen on public service delivery and he closely monitors the grievance redressal mechanism of UT.
He added that it is due to the commitment and vision of Lieutenant Governor that the administration is involved in development process from Panchayats to Cities and Towns through Back to Village and My Town My Pride programmes.
During the visit, Advisor Bhatnagar also took round of stalls established by various departments in the premises of MC Hiranagar. The Advisor interacted with the officials of these stalls and aske them to generate maximum awareness among the public about different government beneficiary schemes.
At the event, MC Hiranagar presented developmental profile of Hiranagar Town and also highlighted issues concerning the development of Hiranagar before the Advisor. Prabhari officer MC, Hiranagar, Indu Kanwal Chib also spoke on the occasion and briefed the gathering about the town plan and other broad contours of MTMP.
During the visit, the Advisor also took round of CHC Hiranagar and enquired about the facilities given to the people and also inspected infrastructure of the facility. He also participated in Greh Parvesh ceremony of PMAY-U beneficiary.
The Advisor witnessed sports activities at Mini Stadium Hiranagar and also Planted saplings at Mini Stadium Hiranagar. Meanwhile, Advisor Bhatnagar also visited Government Higher Secondary School, Hiranagar and participated in MTMP programme.
Addressing the students and teachers, Advisor Bhatnagar said that the present time is time of competitions and one should be educated with an in-depth knowledge of any subject so that he or she can compete in the present world.
He asked the students that it is their prime duty to create awareness about any social issue among the people as well as their families. The Advisor said that the students have very prominent role in eradicating the drug menace from the society and they should religiously take part in Nasha Mukht Abhiyan and its related activities.
He asked the students to take part in sports activities as it helps in their all round development and makes them competitive in this present world. Later the Advisor also held a detailed interaction with Chairman MC Hiranagar, Advocate Vijay Sharma, other ULB members and ascertained from them about the plans for the holistic development of Hiranagar town.
During the interaction, the Advisor said that the problems faced by people in urban areas are being addressed by this unique MTMP programme and the programme will help us to come out with solutions for upgradation of urban infrastructure and other amenities of public importance.
The Advisor laid emphasis upon the representatives of Municipal wards for maintaining close coordination with visiting officers and district administration so that public issues are addressed timely. He asked them to have synergised efforts for hundred percent saturation of all Government schemes and effective delivery of varied online services of the Government.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rahul Pandey; Director Urban Local Bodies, Jammu, Puneet Sharma; SSP Kathua, R C Kotwal councillors of different wards and other officials were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in other Municipal limits of District Kathua, plethora of activities took place on the culmination day of MTMP 2.0. During the day long proceedings, modalities for formulation seven draft plans by each MC were discussed after detailed deliberations and taking into confidence all the stakeholders.
The designated Mentors assured that period review will be followed and necessary changes shall be incorporated based on realistic goals.