KISHTWAR: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Monday held a Public Darbar in Kishtwar to interact directly with residents and public representatives, review local developmental requirements and address grievances related to public service delivery.
During the interaction, the Minister heard concerns regarding road connectivity, public infrastructure, essential services, rural development and the functioning of various government departments. Several grievances were resolved on the spot, while officials were directed to examine the remaining issues and take appropriate action within stipulated timelines.
Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the need for effective coordination among departments to ensure that genuine public concerns are addressed without unnecessary delays. He said direct interaction with residents provides an opportunity to understand ground-level challenges, assess ongoing developmental works and identify gaps in the implementation of government schemes.
Highlighting the transformation in Kishtwar since 2014, the Minister said the district had witnessed significant improvements in connectivity and basic infrastructure. Recalling the situation before 2014, he said poor road conditions made travel to Kishtwar difficult, while mobile connectivity was virtually absent in several areas. The route to the Machail Yatra also lacked basic facilities, including proper roads, toilets and telecommunications.
The Minister recalled that after assuming office in May 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chowgan ground in Kishtwar in December and assured residents that regions which had remained neglected would receive priority attention and focused development.
Emphasising the importance of public outreach, Dr Jitendra Singh said such programmes make governance more accessible, transparent and responsive while helping ensure that government schemes and welfare initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries. He urged officials to maintain regular engagement with residents and follow up on grievances until they are resolved.
He also highlighted the need to prioritise development in geographically challenging areas such as Kishtwar, where improved connectivity, stronger infrastructure and reliable delivery of essential services remain crucial to regional progress. He called for coordinated efforts by the district administration and concerned departments to accelerate development works and address local requirements.
The Minister said Public Darbars provide citizens with a direct platform to present their concerns to elected representatives and administrative authorities, enabling timely intervention and better monitoring of developmental activities.
The programme forms part of Dr Jitendra Singh’s continued public outreach initiative in his Udhampur parliamentary constituency, aimed at strengthening engagement with residents and facilitating the resolution of local issues through coordinated administrative action.
The Public Darbar was attended by Sunil Sharma, MLA from the Padder-Nagseni constituency and Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly; Shagun Parihar, MLA from Kishtwar; Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma; Senior Superintendent of Police Sunny Gupta; senior district officers, representatives of government departments and local residents.
