District Administration Kathua today organised Special Gram Sabhas and awareness programmes to discuss and finalize village-level development plans under the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme. A programme was held at village Bobiya amid enthusiastic participation of local residents.
Member Legislative Assembly Hiranagar, Vijay Kumar Sharma presided over the event in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma. The Gram Sabhas were convened to formulate village plans for border villages Bobiya and Karol Krishna.
The proceedings focused on participatory planning and preparation of robust, need-based development plans aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants. The designated Nodal Officers of the twin villages read out the draft development plans prepared after incorporating inputs from the local populace.
The participants were invited to offer suggestions and flag issues for further inclusion in the final plan document. Several locals, including former Panchayati Raj Institution members, highlighted demands pertaining to civic amenities and infrastructure gaps. They demanded development of a tourist circuit along the border belt and projected other border-specific concerns.
The Nodal Officers took note of the demands for the incorporation in the final draft plans. Addressing the gathering, MLA Vijay Kumar Sharma urged the participants to bring forth any issue not reflected in the draft plans so that the same could be duly incorporated, ensuring comprehensive and inclusive planning.
Interacting with the residents, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the objective of organising awareness-cum-Gram Sabhas was to take every stakeholder on board and ensure holistic development planning. He stressed the need for saturation of eligible beneficiaries under various government schemes and augmentation of infrastructure in border villages in a phased and sustainable manner.
He further informed that similar awareness camps would be organised in other border areas to sensitise the public about government schemes and services, with the aim of transforming these villages into model habitations under the Vibrant Village Programme.
Earlier, district and sectoral officers briefed the Gram Sabhas about the welfare schemes and services being implemented by their respective departments and encouraged the public to avail the benefits within stipulated timelines.
Among others, General Manager DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary, Programme Officer ICDS Mohammed Syed, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur, Tehsildar Hiranagar Anup Kumar, Tehsildar Marheen Lekh Raj and other district and sectoral officers were present on the occasion.