INAYAT QAYOOM
Baramulla, May 12:
After participating in a massive padyatra under the Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir campaign in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday visited the Vibrant Village Uran Bowa in Uri sector of Baramulla district, where he reviewed ongoing developmental works, interacted with residents, and addressed a public gathering.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated and laid foundation stones for various developmental projects worth Rs 94 crore under different sectors as part of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II covering 83 border villages in Baramulla district.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha said the people living in border villages, particularly farmers, youth, and women, play an extraordinary role in serving the nation and safeguarding the country’s frontiers.
“The people of our border villages, especially farmers, youth and women, shoulder an extraordinary responsibility in serving the nation,” he said.
Referring to the development initiatives undertaken in frontier areas, the Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the distance between border villages and Delhi had significantly reduced.
“Border villages are now connected to the mainstream of development and it is the commitment of the Government of India to transform these villages into symbols of inclusive growth,” he said.
Highlighting the achievements under the Vibrant Villages Programme, Sinha said the initiative focuses on strengthening basic infrastructure including all-weather roads, electricity, telecom, and television connectivity in remote border regions.
“I truly believe roads unlock new possibilities. All 18 villages covered under the programme are now linked with all-weather roads, while work to connect all 83 border villages of Baramulla has been expedited,” he said.
He added that before 2019, telecom and digital connectivity in strategically important border villages was below 40 percent, but now 100 percent 4G and 5G coverage had been achieved in all 18 identified villages.
The Lieutenant Governor assured residents that the administration is committed to extending reliable digital and mobile services to every remote frontier hamlet and ensuring that the benefits of the digital revolution reach villages situated along the borders.
He further said the administration is focusing on improving literacy, economic growth, and livelihood opportunities for youth in villages like Uran Bowa.
“Youth and women in border areas now have access to self-employment opportunities. Enhanced educational infrastructure, vocational training, border tourism, and reforms in agriculture and allied sectors are ushering in prosperity across these villages,” he added.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor distributed appointment orders among Special Police Officers (SPOs), handed over computer tablets to students, and provided sanction letters to beneficiaries under HADP, Mission Yuva, and other welfare schemes.
He also unveiled the jersey and trophy for the upcoming SPANDAN League 2026, the North Kashmir Football Championship to be organised by the Border Security Force (BSF).
Among those present on the occasion were Uri MLA Sajjad Shafi, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, IGP Kashmir V. K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, senior BSF and police officers, civil administration officials, and a large number of local residents.