Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) & Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress on the development plans of Nangali Sahib and Shahpur villages in Poonch district under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).
The meeting reviewed the status of DPR preparation, baseline surveys, gap analysis and convergence planning aimed at transforming the two strategic border villages into vibrant, self-reliant and resilient communities. Emphasising a convergence-driven and evidence-based approach, the Secretary directed all departments to comprehensively assess gaps in infrastructure, livelihoods, education, healthcare, financial inclusion and public service delivery while finalising the DPRs.
He also called for the integration of digital infrastructure and technology-enabled solutions and stressed active field engagement by district officers through surveys, consultations and regular monitoring. Highlighting the importance of sustainable livelihood generation, Asad directed the creation of a comprehensive database of village youth capturing educational qualifications, skills and employment status to facilitate targeted skilling and employment interventions.
He stressed convergence with schemes such as NRLM, Mission YUVA, Himayat, Tribal Affairs, Agriculture and Horticulture to expand livelihood opportunities for women and youth. The Secretary advocated strengthening Self-Help Groups, dairy and livestock-based enterprises, plantation activities under MGNREGA and value-addition initiatives capable of generating sustainable rural incomes.
Expressing concern over limited banking access in Nangali Sahib, Aijaz Asad directed officials to explore the establishment of banking facilities in or near the village and enhance financial inclusion through Bank Correspondents and Bank Sakhis. He also called for saturation of eligible beneficiaries under PMJJBY and PMSBY.
The Secretary directed departments to maximise convergence under existing Central and UT schemes. He underscored that the objective of VVP-II extends beyond asset creation to improving livelihoods, service delivery and quality of life in border areas.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, presented findings of a district-wide gap analysis covering all 133 border villages. The analysis revealed that 121 villages are already connected under PMGSY, while the remaining 12 have been proposed for road connectivity.
Telecom coverage has achieved full saturation across all border villages. The meeting also reviewed village-specific development proposals. Nangali Sahib, located about three kilometres from the International Border and known for the historic Gurudwara Nangali Sahib, has a proposed development package of ₹4.35 crore covering education infrastructure, sports facilities, solar lighting, water supply systems, e-library facilities, recreation infrastructure and horticulture interventions.
Shahpur, situated within 0–0.5 kilometres of the Line of Control, has a proposed development plan of ₹5.56 crore focusing on community bunkers, school infrastructure, smart classrooms, multipurpose halls, sports facilities, solar lighting, drinking water systems and plantation activities.
The Secretary reiterated that strategic border villages require focused, coordinated and sustainable interventions to strengthen livelihoods, improve living standards and enhance socio-economic resilience. He directed all departments to expedite finalisation of DPRs to ensure timely commencement of implementation.
The meeting was attended by the District Development Commissioner, Poonch; Heads of Departments of RDD; Directors of School Education, Social Welfare, Rural Development and Health Services, Jammu; Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry; Chief Engineer, PW(R&B), Pir Panjal Division; Superintending Engineer, REW Jammu; Assistant Commissioners Development and Panchayats, Poonch; Executive Engineers and other concerned officers.