DDC Poonch convenes public outreach camp at village Balnoi

• Listens to people’s grievances

POONCH: To ensure prompt redressal of grievances, the District Development Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today convened a Public outreach camp at village Balnoi in Block Mankote. The programme witnessed significant participation from residents of the border areas, who availed the opportunity to project their grievances and developmental demands before the district administration.

 The demands primarily pertained to road connectivity, electricity supply, drinking water, healthcare services, public distribution system, education and other matters concerning the border population. The Deputy Commissioner gave a patient hearing  and issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers for immediate redressal. A number of issues were resolved instantly, while instructions were passed for time-bound redressal of the remaining issues.

Officers from the line departments were present on the occasion and extended necessary support by addressing public concerns within their respective domains, besides disseminating information regarding ongoing government schemes and welfare programmes. Emphasizing the importance of responsive governance, the DDC reiterated that the district administration remains committed to addressing the concerns of the people at their doorstep, with special focus on the needs of residents living in far-flung and border areas.

The participants expressed satisfaction over the initiative and appreciated the proactive and people-centric approach of the district administration in resolving public grievances in an efficient and transparent manner.

At the end, the Deputy Commissioner addressed the youth of the border villages and cautioned them against the growing threat of drug abuse and its adverse impact on the future of the region. “The youth are the backbone of our nation. In border areas like Balnoi, your resilience and energy should be channelled into development and education and not lost to the menace of addiction.”

He urged the youth to act as ambassadors of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign) and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. He further highlighted that the administration is not only focusing on strict enforcement but is also laying emphasis on rehabilitation measures and promotion of sports activities to positively engage the youth.

The programme concluded on a solemn note with a Nasha Mukt Pledge, led by the District Development Commissioner, wherein all participants—including district officers, Army and police personnel and general public—pledged to stay away from drugs and to work collectively towards making Poonch a drug-free district.