Deputy Commissioner Dr Rakesh Minhas today chaired the weekly Block Diwas public outreach program at Kathar, a remote Kandi village in Block Maira Mandrian of Sub Division Akhnoor. The mega grievances redressal camp was attended by ADDC Sher Singh; SDM Akhnoor Mukhter Ahmed; SDM Chowki Choura Ankush Hans; Chief Planning Officer Ajay Pal Singh; Assistant Commissioner Development Danish Rasool and Block Development Officer Tahir Hafiz, besides other district officers and field functionaries of the line departments.
The camp witnessed overwhelming participation from locals. Public delegations and PRI members projected wide range of demands related to development and redressal of day-to-day grievances. The public put forth a detailed charter of demands, seeking macadamization and upgrading of rural roads, alongside the augmentation of Power and Drinking water infrastructure to ensure adequate water and electricity supply.
The residents also raised demands for the improvement of irrigation facilities for the farming community, upgrading of local schools and healthcare institutions and creation of dedicated facilities for youth activities. Furthermore, the locals sought urgent intervention to contain growing monkey menace in the area, which has been severely affecting their daily lives.
Giving a patient hearing to the demands raised by the public, the Deputy Commissioner addressed several issues on the spot by passing explicit directions to the concerned officers. He assured the residents that all their genuine grievances would be compiled and resolved in a phased and time bound manner by the respective line departments.
Dr Minhas highlighted the core message of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, seeking active cooperation and support of the public in completely eradicating the drug menace from society. Directly addressing the youth of the subdivision, the Deputy Commissioner encouraged them to stay away from drugs and instead channel their energy toward nation-building.
He emphasised the importance of self-reliance, urging the youth to tap into the government-sponsored schemes to explore avenues for self-employment and entrepreneurship. He later felicitated meritorious students of the area.