DODA: Marking the beginning of the Reform Utsav, Special Gram Sabhas were organised on Gandhi Jayanti today across all 237 Panchayats of district Doda, witnessing active participation from locals, former PRI members and government functionaries.
Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal visited Gatha Park Bhaderwah, where he chaired a Special Gram Sabha along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Sunil Kumar Bhutyal; Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohammad Afaqi and other officers.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of Gram Sabhas as a platform for participatory governance and direct engagement with rural communities. He called upon the residents to actively participate in development planning, ensure effective implementation of Government schemes and maintain cleanliness in their respective villages. He also highlighted the need for collective efforts towards proper waste management, sanitation and sustainable rural development.
At Dradu Bhaderwah, the Special Gram Sabha was attended by Additional Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) & Panchayati Raj Waseem Raja; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal and Assistant Commissioner Development Din Mohammad Afaqi, besides other concerned officers and officials, former PRI representatives and locals.
Similar Special Gram Sabhas were held in the Sub-Divisions of Gandoh, Assar and Thathri. The programmes provided a platform for direct interaction between the administration and the public and facilitated dissemination of information regarding various Government welfare schemes, reform initiatives and development programmes.
During the Gram Sabhas, awareness was generated about the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, with emphasis on proper segregation of waste at source, responsible disposal practices and active community participation in maintaining clean and healthy surroundings.
Discussions were also held on VB-G RAM G framework, with emphasis on effective implementation of rural development initiatives, employment generation and greater participation of rural communities in planning and execution of developmental works.
The participants took the Swachhata Pledge and reaffirmed their commitment towards cleanliness, sanitation, proper waste management and creating cleaner and healthier villages.
The district-wide observance of Reform Utsav underscored the importance of participatory governance and strengthened the role of Gram Sabhas as an effective platform for community engagement, awareness and grassroots-level development.
