Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, today presided over the weekly Block Diwas programme organized at Panchayat Chulna in Block Panchari. The event witnessed participation of DDC Member Jasvir Singh, former PRI representatives, and local residents, who put forth a wide range of issues and demands to address crucial developmental needs of the region.
During the public outreach, the residents raised several important demands, seeking upgradation of PHC Panchari to CHC, repair of Kanthgali road, restoration of Chobu Nallah damaged due to flash floods, connecting Panchari PMGSY Sub-Division with Udhampur, expediting the PMGSY-IV survey, addressing staff shortages across departments, revision of school timings in the area, establishment of a JK Bank ATM at Panchari, repair of the local health centre, immediate commencement of Panchayat Ghar construction, provision of an ambulance for the area, starting operation of the available X-ray and ultrasound facilities at local hospital, construction of a footbridge at Madyal, establishment of a Health Sub-Centre, upgradation of Middle Schools to High Schools, including GMS Meer Sarthi, Development of footpaths in forest areas, monitoring of Supply Morh–Malti road construction, establishment of a Fire Station, filling of vacant posts in government offices, providing compensation for PMGSY road works, promotion of adventure tourism in the area, including paragliding, development of tourist attraction points, restoration of the remaining 2 km of the Kainthgali–Kunti road, allotment of timber for house construction at Panchari, construction of the Sankri–Nathatop road etc.
Responding to the demands, the DC said that the main objective of the Block Diwas initiative is to obtain a firsthand appraisal of issues at the grassroots level. She emphasized that such platforms empower the District Administration to better understand the multifaceted challenges faced by the people.
These outreach programmes, she added, help bring governance to the doorsteps of the public and significantly enhance the service delivery mechanism. Several grievances were resolved on the spot through the intervention and directions issued to the concerned departments.
The DC assured that the remaining demands would be addressed on priority by mobilizing budgetary resources in the best interest of the public. She urged officers to work with missionary zeal to ensure that the people of the area are not deprived of their rightful entitlements.
She also directed them to spread awareness about income-generating and beneficiary-oriented schemes launched by the Government of India and the UT Government. The DC also sensitized the public about various financial inclusion and social security schemes such as PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other welfare initiatives, encouraging them to avail the benefits of these schemes.
She assured the public that all genuine demands would be addressed in a time-bound manner through prioritization and optimization. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner inaugurated the RDD Hall and an LED Screen at Kainthgali, constructed under the DDC grant, in the presence of DDC Member Jasvir Singh.
The LED display will function as a 24×7 tourist information guide, providing visitors with details about the tourist attractions of the area. Later, the DDC Member, former PRI representatives and local residents expressed their gratitude to the District Administration for its prompt action in providing food and essential supplies to families affected by the recent flash floods.