POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today lauded the district administration Poonch and the local community including PRIs for their collective efforts in driving remarkable development in Block Mankote, which has earned national recognition under NITI Aayog's flagship Aspirational Block Programme (ABP).

Addressing a felicitation ceremony organized by the district administration at Dak Bungalow, Poonch, Rana celebrated the transformational achievements of Mankote Block, which, he said, has emerged as a leading example of successful grassroots governance and community-driven development.

The Minister underscored that Mankote's rise, from a remote, underserved block to one of the top-performing blocks in the country, epitomizes the power of focused implementation, responsive administration and local participation.

"Mankote's journey is not only a story of impressive rankings, it is a story of determination, of resilience and of belief. It reflects the commitment of our frontline workers, the synergy between the departments and the faith of the people that development must be inclusive, equitable and far-reaching," the Minister said.

He highlighted that the transformation was significantly accelerated during the 90 days focused saturation campaign that aimed to achieve key development milestones across priority sectors such as health, nutrition, education, agriculture and financial inclusion.

The campaign was marked by high-level interdepartmental coordination and robust community engagement, resulting in measurable improvements on the ground.

Rana proudly noted that Mankote Block had secured the 9th rank among 500 Aspirational Blocks across the country and the top position in the Jammu Division, a feat that can be described as a "milestone in Poonch's development trajectory."

However, the Minister cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that the recognition should serve as a springboard for deeper and more sustained development.

"This is not the end, it's the beginning of a renewed mission. Let this achievement inspire us to push further, reach higher and ensure that every household, especially in border and far-flung areas, feels the impact of governance. We must carry forward this momentum with greater integrity, inclusiveness and innovation," he said.

Reiterating the Omar Abdullah-led Government's unwavering commitment to rural transformation, Rana called for strengthening the institutional support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), fostering convergence among line departments and investing in long-term sustainable livelihood models.

He affirmed that his ministries would provide full support in scaling up such transformative efforts to other underdeveloped blocks in the district.

The felicitation event was not only a celebration of Mankote's accomplishments but also a moment of reflection and commitment, a call to uphold the spirit of participatory governance and citizen-centric development.

The Minister personally acknowledged the contributions of frontline workers, PRIs, departmental officials and civil society leaders who played a pivotal role in the block's rise.

District Development Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, appreciated all the stakeholders and assured to continue building upon the momentum generated through the Aspirational Block Programme.