MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana, on Tuesday chaired an extensive, people-centric review meeting of the Power Development Department (PDD) and the Health & Medical Education Department to assess their functioning and address pressing public concerns in the Nagrota constituency.
The meeting focused on strengthening essential services, with particular emphasis on the needs of poor and vulnerable sections of society. The review was attended by the Superintending Engineer, JPDCL, along with Executive Engineers, Assistant Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers and Junior Engineers of the Power Development Department.
From the Health sector, Chief Medical Officer Jammu, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dansal and Block Medical Officer (BMO) Bhalwal were present. While reviewing the Power Development Department, Devyani Rana reviewed concern over complaints from poor and low-income households regarding abnormally high electricity bills, which have caused significant financial distress to families across Nagrota.
She noted that several consumers have reported inflated bills despite limited usage and directed officials to immediately scrutinize such cases. The MLA stressed meter testing, correction of faulty readings, transparent billing practices and prompt relief to genuine consumers, especially those from economically weaker sections.
She also directed the department to intensify awareness about the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Scheme so that more households can benefit from renewable energy initiatives spearheaded by the Centre. Emphasising that rooftop solar can substantially reduce electricity bills and promote self-reliance, she asked officials to conduct local-level awareness drives and actively assist eligible families in availing the scheme.
In addition, the MLA reviewed issues related to power supply, voltage fluctuations, damaged and overloaded transformers, pending infrastructure upgrades and unscheduled power cuts, particularly in rural and hilly areas. She instructed officers to ensure swift restoration of power supply, strengthen field-level infrastructure and improve the grievance redressal mechanism for time-bound resolution of public complaints.
The acute shortage of manpower, especially linemen, also came up for discussion. Officials informed the MLA that the lack of adequate staff is adversely affecting timely redressal of power-related issues and restoration during breakdowns. Taking serious note, Devyani Rana assured that the matter of vacant posts and staff shortages would be taken up with higher authorities to ensure adequate manpower and better service delivery.
Reviewing the Health & Medical Education Department, the MLA assessed the availability of doctors, paramedical staff, essential medicines, diagnostic facilities and ambulance services in health institutions serving Nagrota. She stressed the need to fill vacant posts, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve patient care to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
Devyani Rana underscored that residents of remote and underserved areas should not be forced to travel long distances for basic medical treatment or suffer due to lack of essential facilities. She called for improved inter-departmental coordination and a more compassionate, people-friendly approach in service delivery.
Reaffirming her commitment to public welfare, the MLA assured that all genuine grievances, particularly those related to high electricity bills, manpower shortages and healthcare gaps, would be taken up with the highest authorities. She emphasised transparency, accountability and responsive governance as the cornerstone of effective public service.