DODA: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda Krishan Lal today visited Sewa Block, Chiralla and participated in a Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) aimed at addressing the public grievances and developmental issues at the grassroots level.
The DDC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer Manesh Kumar ; Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohd Afaqi ; District Social Welfare Officer Zubair Ahmed ; Tehsildar, Block Development Officer and other district and sectoral officers.
A large number of local residents and adjoining areas participated in the programme and put forth their issues and demands before the DDC and officers.
The departments established stalls to disseminate information about government schemes and welfare programmes and facilitate registration of eligible beneficiaries. Awareness and registration activities were carried out under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), PM-SYM, PMEGP, Mission Yuva and financial inclusion schemes. Information regarding self-employment and social assistance schemes was also provided to the public. A health check-up camp was organised along with awareness activities under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
During the interaction, residents raised several important developmental issues, seeking improvement of roads, establishment of a J&K Bank branch and a Primary Health Centre in the area, augmentation of drinking water in the Panchayats facing scarcity, expediting pending Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works, filling of vacant teacher posts in the local Government Higher Secondary School and improvement of mobile and internet connectivity.
The public was informed that out of 222 JJM schemes, 112 have been completed, while the work on remaining schemes is at different stages. The DDC directed the stakeholder department to closely monitor the pending works and ensure that the identified issues are addressed on priority.
Complaining about poor mobile network connectivity, the public sought early activation of mobile towers already erected in the area. Responding to the issue, the DDC informed that a district-wide assessment of low-connectivity and shadow areas has identified the requirement of 16 additional mobile towers, which were subsequently sanctioned by the Government of India. He informed that around 30 out of approximately 49 planned towers have already been radiated, while two completed towers in the Chiralla area are awaiting the required radiation equipment.
The DDC said that the matter has been taken up with BSNL on an emergency basis, particularly in view of the security concerns arising from poor connectivity. He expressed confidence that the two towers would be activated as soon as the necessary equipment was made available.
The DDC also stressed the importance of collective efforts by the administration, community, parents and other stakeholders to protect children and youth from drug abuse and other negative influences. He informed that strict action has been initiated against illegal cultivation of opium in the surrounding areas, with FIRs lodged against five persons. Red Entries have also been made in the revenue records of persons involved in such illegal cultivation, besides making them ineligible for benefits under government schemes, as per applicable rules.
Emphasising the need for a compassionate and rehabilitative approach towards victims of addiction, the DDC said that drug-dependent youth should be treated as victims requiring counselling, care and rehabilitation rather than hatred or social exclusion. He informed that treatment facilities are available at Government Medical College and that the district administration is also focusing on rehabilitation and livelihood support. He further informed that four youth affected by addiction have already been rehabilitated and integrated with welfare schemes in Doda district.
The DDC further urged the public to actively participate in the district’s TB-Free campaign and stressed that TB cases should not be concealed due to social stigma. He informed that TB treatment is available free of cost, along with financial assistance and nutritional support for eligible patients. He also highlighted the importance of preventive treatment for family members of TB patients to protect them from infection and transmission.
While interacting with the public, the DDC urged residents to make maximum use of the JK Samadhan Portal for registration of grievances, assuring that the mechanism would facilitate prompt, transparent and accountable redressal of public concerns.
The DDC directed all concerned officers to remain accessible to the public, regularly review the issues raised during the outreach programme and ensure time-bound action on genuine demands within the prescribed rules and available resources.
