Baramulla, June 17:
Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir Ram Niwas Sharma, who is also Nodal Officer for Vibrant Villages Maidanan and Salasan, today visited the two border villages in Uri Sub-Division and reviewed the progress of developmental activities being undertaken under the Vibrant Village Programme–Phase II.He was accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri Prince Kumar, Joint Director School Education North Kashmir, Dy Chief Education Officer Baramulla Iftakhar Bashir and other concerned officers of line departments.
During the visit, the Commissioner Secretary held extensive interactions with residents, community representatives, and local stakeholders at both Maidanan and Salasan villages. He listened to their concerns, developmental aspirations, and suggestions regarding the improvement of basic amenities and public services. The residents highlighted various issues and demands related to infrastructure, connectivity, education, healthcare, drinking water supply, and livelihood generation.
Assuring the people of the government’s commitment towards the welfare and development of border communities, Sharma stated that the Vibrant Village Programme aims to transform remote villages into self-reliant and vibrant settlements through focused developmental interventions and improved public service delivery. He emphasized that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure and create better socio-economic opportunities for residents living in border areas.
The Commissioner Secretary also conducted a comprehensive review of the developmental works and government schemes being implemented in the two villages. Officers from various line departments briefed him about the status of ongoing projects, achievements made so far, challenges being faced, and future plans envisaged under the programme. He stressed the need for timely completion of projects, effective coordination among departments, and regular monitoring to ensure that developmental benefits reach the people in a tangible manner.
He directed the concerned officers to maintain close engagement with local communities and adopt a proactive approach in addressing public grievances and developmental needs. He further underscored the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality in the execution of works being carried out under the programme.
The visit provided an opportunity for on-the-ground assessment of developmental requirements and helped reinforce the administration’s commitment towards accelerating the pace of development in border villages. Senior officers of the district administration and line departments accompanied the Administrative Secretary during the visit.