JAMMU: Dansal block headquarters today witnessed a lively and interactive Block Diwas, an extensive public outreach programme, where Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D Vaidya, along with other senior officials, listened to the issues and demands of the local residents and assured them of timely resolution.
The programme, which was also attended by DDC member Shameem Begum and former PRI members, aimed to provide a platform for the people to voice their concerns and aspirations directly to the authorities and seek redressal of their grievances.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Additional District Development Commissioner, Sher Singh, ACD Preeti Sharma, SDPO Nagrota, Akash Kohli, Block Development Officer, Joni Kumar, Tehsildar, Dhruv Gupta and other district officers and officials were also part of the public outreach event.
Some of the major issues raised by the public included issues related to Toll Plaza on transportation and movement of locals, creation of fresh ration cards, provision of water supply, upgraded medical facilities in the block and improvement of connecting roads and bridges.
Principal Secretary assured the people that the UT and district administration will tirelessly work on these issues for an early redressal. He requested the DDC to work with NHAI and departments of Jal Shakti, Health and Public Works to evolve balanced solutions on the issues raised. He assured that funding will be provided under district budget on the priorities finalized with the involvement of all stakeholders and concerned authorities.
In his address, Santosh D Vaidya highlighted the diverse development projects and initiatives undertaken by the government in Jammu and Kashmir. These endeavours primarily encompass key sectors such as infrastructure, health, housing and education. Furthermore, he emphasised establishment of peace, expressing how various segments of society are embracing the positive transformations and enduring peace prevailing in the region.
Principal Secretary highlighted that the strenuous efforts of National Highways Authority of India and Public Works department have led to vast improvements in road connectivity and lowering of travel times in the region. The NHPC and Power Development department are executing several ambitious projects which will double the hydropower capacity by 2026, he added. He also stressed on the importance of scheduled maintenance and quality operations to ensure the durability and robustness of the projects. He emphasized on the user fees and metering of electricity and water connections for ensuring quality operation and maintenance.
Santosh D Vaidya highlighted the achievements of the government in tripling the tap water connections from about 5 lakh to over 14 lakh during 2018 to 2023, which has alleviated drudgery of a large number of households. He also stressed on the rapid upscaling of rural housing by Rural Development Department under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He noted that the government has ensured housing for the poor, and even allotted the landless land vacated from encroachments.
Principal Secretary further spoke about the transformative developments in the health sector, such as the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) Sehat scheme, which has provided fully free and comprehensive health cover to the entire population of J&K. He also stressed on the rapid upscaling of medical and paramedical education which will provide more medical professionals for the UT. He touched upon the major initiatives of Education and Social Welfare departments for early childhood education and nutrition. He highlighted the major initiatives in these areas under the Samagra Shiksha and Integrated Child Development Services programmes.
Santosh D Vaidya also congratulated the police, paramilitary and armed forces for ensuring sustained peace despite numerous challenges. He stressed on the need to improve housing, infrastructure and equipment for police staff. He also discussed the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, such as plastic waste and its management, and urged the people to adopt eco-friendly practices and habits.
He noted that India is poised to take rapid strides in economic growth and build on the strong foundation built through socio-economic transformation in the past few decades.
Principal Secretary noted that the UT government is committed to accelerated and inclusive development and acknowledged the need for fostering tolerance and unity among the diverse streams of the society in Jammu and Kashmir.