- Declared “First Villages of India” under PM Modi’s vision
- Digital library, community hallamong key projects launched
- Govt targets 100% connectivity, electrification and poverty eradication by 2030
- interacts with Army at Border Outpost, lauds role in Op Sindoor
Samba: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday asserted that border villages are no longer to be seen as the last frontier of the country but as its “First Villages”, reflecting their strategic and developmental importance under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He was speaking during a public rally at Regal village in Samba district, where he laid foundation stones and inaugurated multiple development projects, including a digital library at Government Primary School Regal, construction of a community hall-cum-recreation centre, development of Amrit Sarovar with drainage channel, installation of three open gyms, and solar street lighting.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to border development, the LG said border villages are the “backbone of India” and have historically shaped the nation’s resilience. He stressed that the administration is working to bring these regions from the margins of development to the centre of national progress, ensuring dignity and equal opportunity for every family.
“The Government is committed to safeguarding the dignity of every border village family. Those who faced neglect for decades are now being given the highest priority in the new era of Jammu and Kashmir’s development,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding that the Vibrant Villages Programme is being implemented in mission mode.
He further highlighted that the programme focuses on livelihood generation, infrastructure development, and connectivity, ensuring saturation of essential services such as all-weather roads, telecom connectivity, television access, and electrification through convergence of existing schemes. He directed officials to ensure that by 2030, no family in border villages remains below the poverty line.
Responding to public demands, LG Sinha reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing land ownership rights to displaced persons from PoJK and West Pakistan refugees. He also noted that the completion of Shahpur Kandi Dam would significantly boost agricultural productivity in the region.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with personnel at the Regal Border Out Post, lauding the Army’s vigilance and their role in safeguarding the borders, particularly during Operation Sindoor.
He also appreciated Regal village for achieving TB-free status and urged continued focus on clean drinking water, public health, and collective efforts against drug abuse.
The event was attended by senior civil, police and army officials, including MLA Ramgarh Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, along with a large gathering of local residents.
