Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), Vikas Kundal, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, today visited the border Sub-Division Karnah and reviewed the progress of developmental works being executed under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) Phase-II in the identified villages of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi.
During the visit, the Chairman chaired an inter-departmental review meeting at Mini Secretariat, Tangdhar, to assess the developmental profile and implementation status of various projects being undertaken in the two Vibrant Villages.
The meeting was attended by Secretary JKSSB, Khurshid Ahmad Sanai; Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karnah, Mohd Raiyaz; Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer and BDO, Executive Engineer Tangdhar and other district and sectoral officers.
On the occasion, the SDM Karnah presented a detailed overview of the socio-economic and developmental status of the villages. It was informed that Gundi Gujran comprises 567 households with a population of 1,819, while Jabdi has 135 households with a population of 739.
The Chairman reviewed sector-wise progress in road connectivity, tele connectivity, power supply, drinking water supply, education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, social welfare and rural development. Stressing the importance of timely execution, he directed the concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of all ongoing works for achieving the objectives of the Vibrant Village Programme.
Later, Vikas Kundal, along with the Deputy Commissioner, conducted a public outreach programme at Government High School Gundi Shart, where residents of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi projected various developmental issues and public demands. Interacting with the public, the Chairman directed the Roads and Buildings Department to expedite all ongoing road projects and ensure their completion before the onset of winter.
He emphasized promotion of livelihood generation through schemes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mission Yuva and cooperative initiatives.
He also called for strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative institutions to enhance economic opportunities and self-reliance among rural households. Among the issues raised by the public were the requirement of permanent paramedical staff at the Health Centre, Jabdi, and the construction of a community marriage hall.
Taking note of the demands, the Chairman directed the concerned officers to take appropriate measures for their early redressal. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara assured the public that all genuine grievances would be addressed on priority.
He directed the Chief Medical Officer to examine the feasibility of augmenting healthcare manpower at Jabdi and informed that a comprehensive action plan was being formulated to project important local demands for consideration at the appropriate level.
He further announced that facilities such as a playfield and a library would be developed to support the educational and recreational aspirations of local youth. The Chairman also instructed line departments to conduct regular awareness and outreach programmes to ensure wider public participation and effective dissemination of information regarding government welfare schemes and developmental initiatives.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment towards the holistic development of border areas, Vikas Kundal said that the Vibrant Village Programme aims at strengthening infrastructure, improving public service delivery, expanding livelihood opportunities and enhancing the overall quality of life in remote border villages.