DC Kathua convenes public outreach programme at Duggan

• Assures time bound redressal of public grievances

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a Public Outreach Programme at Duggan, a remote block of Bani Sub-Division, to take first-hand appraisal of public grievances and developmental needs of the area. The programme witnessed active participation from local residents, public representatives and members of various delegations who projected issues requiring immediate attention of the district administration.

The locals and public representatives highlighted several demands,  seeking augmentation of health and education infrastructure, making  the  JK Bank branch at Duggan functional, meeting shortage of staff in the departments, opening of a Veterinary Hospital and an Allopathic Health Centre, release of pending land compensation, development of a playground, restoration of irrigation canals, adequate supply of agricultural inputs such as seeds and urea, upgradation of educational institutions and strengthening of power infrastructure in the area.

Responding to the demands, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration's commitment towards addressing public concerns and ensuring equitable development of remote and far-flung areas. “Improvement of road connectivity and infrastructure development are key priorities,” he assured  

The DC directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to ensure maximum outreach and benefits to the people of Bani and Duggan under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He appealed to farmers and youth to avail benefits of horticulture, beekeeping and other livelihood generation schemes being implemented by the government.

Regarding the functioning of JK Bank branch at Duggan, the DC assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned authorities to ascertain the reasons for delay and facilitate its early functioning. On the demand for a playground, he informed that the issue would be taken up with the Sports Council, while directions were issued to the education department to prepare proposals for strengthening educational infrastructure in the area.

The DC further informed that all land compensation cases related to developmental projects have been resolved except those pending due to disputes or litigation. He urged the youth to stay away from drug abuse and actively participate in the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and Mission YUVA for constructive engagement and tap self-employment opportunities. He assured the public that all genuine demands raised at  the outreach programme have been duly noted and would be examined for appropriate and timely redressal.

Responding to the demand related to agriculture, the Chief Agriculture Officer informed that a seed sale centre is already functional at Duggan and assured adequate arrangements for availability of urea despite supply constraints. He also encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming practices. The Assistant Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs informed that ration card bifurcation would be taken up after completion of Census 2027 activities.

The District Horticulture Officer informed the gathering about the departmental schemes and interventions being implemented in the Bani-Duggan region to promote kiwi, walnut, beekeeping and other horticulture activities. The Executive Engineer, PDD informed that a transformer for Vaisukhi Nag Mandir would be installed within a week and added that the proposal for creation of a PDD Sub-Division for Bani is already under consideration at the Secretariat level. The Assistant Labour Commissioner highlighted the benefits available under Mission YUVA and other departmental welfare schemes.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner met several delegations and individuals and listened to their grievances for appropriate action. Among others, the programme was attended by IAS Probationer Nidhi; CPO Ranjeet Thakur; SDM Bani Sundeep Kumar and officers from the line departments.