DDC Doda chairs Block Diwas programme at Jalga Chinta.

BHADERWAH, OCTOBER 14(PTK): District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda Krishan Lal today chaired a Block Diwas programme at Panchayat Jalga Chinta in Block Bhaderwah to review public grievances, assess local developmental needs and ensure effective delivery of government services at the grassroots level.

The programme was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal; Chief Planning Officer   Manesh Kumar Manhas; Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohd Afaqi; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Mushraf Haf; Chief Medical Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, officers and officials from PHE, R&B, Education and other departments, former PRI representatives, social activists and local residents.

The residents of Jalga, Chinta, Chinchora, Lanchan, Manawa and adjoining areas raised a wide range of demands and grievances concerning healthcare, education, drinking water, road connectivity, power infrastructure, ration distribution, social welfare, tourism and other developmental issues.

The major demands included the provision of ECG and X-ray facilities, appointment of a permanent doctor and filling of vacant posts at PHC Chinta; appointment of a female teacher at GMS (Girls) Chinta; adequate staffing at GMS Lanchan; completion of pending Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works and improved drinking water supply.

Residents also highlighted delays in the execution of five proposed roads in Chinta Valley despite completion of their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), pending road works under R&B and PMGSY, the need for road connectivity to Manawa Panchayat dispensary and demands for crash barriers at accident-prone stretches and a Yatri shed. Other issues raised included the establishment of an Anganwadi Centre in Jalga Panchayat, a fire service facility in Chinta Valley, resolution of the receiving station issue under the Power Development Department (PDD), development of springs in Chinchora and Upper Lanchan, promotion of horticulture and development of religious tourism and heritage sites.

Residents further sought the realignment of the Chinchora-Trabbi road and improved road connectivity to the polling booth in Chinchora.

The DDC directed the concerned departments to take necessary action on genuine public demands and ensure effective coordination for their time-bound redressal.

The Jal Shakti department informed that the survey and estimates for the required works have been completed and submitted to the DDC office. It was also informed that the filter plant and reservoir at Upper Lanchan has been completed but it suffered damage due to a landslide. The department stated that the damaged infrastructure would be repaired and made functional soon. The DDC assured assistance to the department to facilitate the restoration of water supply to Kerai village.

The PDD department informed that the issue regarding the receiving station at Chinta Valley would be resolved within a week. Regarding the demand for an Anganwadi Centre in Jalga Panchayat, officials informed that the proposal has already been submitted for further action.

On the issue of pending road projects, the R&B department informed that the DPRs for some roads have been completed, while others are under process.

The Education Department assured the appointment of a female teacher at GMS (Girls) Chinta within a week. The department also informed the gathering that Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are held on the 26th of every month and urged parents to participate actively in these meetings.

The DDC stated that a calendar for such activities was already in place and directed all headmasters to ensure its proper implementation. He further directed the Education Department to assess staff shortages in schools and take necessary action wherever additional staff was required.

The Social Welfare Department was asked to coordinate with ICDS authorities and conduct a survey in Jalga, Dugga and Chinchora Panchayats to identify persons with disabilities and assess their requirements.

The survey findings are to be submitted to the DDC office to facilitate further action for disability certification through the competent medical authorities and enable eligible beneficiaries to access government schemes and benefits under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act, 2016.

Regarding pending wage payments under the Rural Development Department (RDD), the ACD assured that the same would be released within a week.

On the demands for the development of Batola Nag-spring and construction of a ground shed in Kerai village, the ACD informed that the same would be examined for inclusion in five-year plan under VB-G RAM G, subject to applicable guidelines and norms. The ACD also encouraged residents to raise their local developmental requirements during weekly Ward Sabhas so that these could be formally recorded and taken up for consideration.

Emphasising accessible and accountable public service delivery, the DDC urged residents to register their grievances on the JK Samadhan Portal to facilitate time-bound redressal and systematic monitoring of pending issues.

He also sensitised the gathering about various government welfare initiatives including benefits available through the Construction Workers Welfare Board and financial assistance under applicable cancer treatment support schemes. The public was further sensitised about the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and victim rehabilitation, with emphasis on ensuring that benefits reach genuine and deserving beneficiaries.

The DDC also highlighted the ongoing digitisation of revenue records and the implementation of AgriStack, including generation of Farmer IDs to improve transparency and facilitate access to government services and benefits for eligible farmers.

Regarding the demand for heritage conservation and promotion of religious tourism, particularly Subhar Nag and other heritage temples in the area, the DDC asked residents to submit a formal representation for examination and onward submission to the competent authorities for consideration under appropriate heritage funding schemes.

Various departments, including the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture had put up stalls to generate public awareness about government schemes and departmental services.  

Later, DDC Doda Krishan Lal inspected Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Chinta and its kindergarten facility. He took a round of classrooms, laboratories, smart classrooms and other school infrastructure available for students.(PTK)