Juhi Manhas Pathania, Vice Chairperson District Development Council Udhampur today said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a new era in Gram Swaraj which embodies a unique sense of self-dependence, self-decision making and self-reliance of Panchayats.“Panchayats and other local body institutions were breathed into life in J & K with a greater degree of autonomy”, the Vice Chairperson was addressing Gram Sabhas coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti at Bilaspur and S.K.Bair Panchayats.
She administered ‘Swachata’ pledges to PRIs at various locations. Numerous issues concerning MGNREGA convergence, DDC Capex and PRO Capex were taken up. She took stock of different local issues including water, electricity, health and wellness, JJM, PMGSY roads, school buildings under SAMAGRA and shortage of staff in schools and other institutions. Addressing the people, she said that much enhanced funds have been made available at the disposal of Panchayats. And the supreme decision making body is Gram Sabha which itself fulfils the objective and aim of ‘Last Man in the last row’.
This is the very concept of ‘Antyodaya’ as envisioned by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, she added. Recently Bharat Sarkar observed the centenary year marking the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Ji. More so, for the first time the 2nd and 3rd Tier of Panchayati Raj institution has been constituted in J&K. Juhi also conducted the Basti Sampark program at SC Basti Mela, Panchayat S.K.Bair of Tehsil Majalta.She took an overview of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna houses, Pensions, SC scholarships, SVAMITVA, PM-KISAN, JJM and other centrally sponsored schemes.
People were glad to know that a new ambitious programme under 'Panj Tirath' has been started whereby historic spots and places coinciding with life history of Baba Saheb B.R Ambedkar have been selected, showcased and familiarised - shiksha bhoomi, diksha bhoomi, mahaparinirvan sthal. Similarly, at Indu Meals Compound, a programme has been launched and a memorial worth 400 crores developed with a view to boosting tourism as well as educating the youth and the people about the various achievements and contribution of Baba Saheb.In Vadodra, a sankalp Bhoomi samarak and Ambedkar International Center at 16th Janpath has been developed.Among others who remain present included Mohan Lal Sharma Sarpanch S.K.Bair, Manoj Verma Sarpanch Bilaspur, Shiv Ram, Mohan Lal Panch, various other PRIs of Block Khoon and officials of various line departments.