Poonch :District Development Commissioner ((DDC) Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma Thursday chaired a special public outreach and review meeting with a deputation from Hillkaka and adjoining areas here at the Conference Hall of the DC Office to assess public grievances and developmental requirements of the far-flung region.
The delegation consited of civil society members, farmers and youth representatives from Hillkaka and adjoining areas.
During the interaction, the deputation highlighted several issues and demands related to road connectivity, healthcare facilities, school education, power supply, banking services, telecommunication connectivity, horticulture and agriculture sectors besides other matters of public importance.
The District Development Commissioner gave a patient hearing to all deputations and individuals and assured them that all genuine issues raised during the meeting would be addressed in a time-bound manner. He directed the concerned officers to take immediate necessary measures for prompt redressal of grievances and ensure better inter-departmental coordination for effective service delivery in the far-flung area.
Issues pertaining to road connectivity and transportation were discussed in detail
The officers from PMGSY and PWD were instructed to expedite ongoing works and identify critical stretches in consultation with the local population, requiring urgent attention.
Reviewing healthcare services, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized strengthening medical facilities and ensuring availability of staff, medicines and other essential healthcare services for the local population.
Matters related to the School Education Department were also reviewed, with directions issued for improvement of educational infrastructure, staff availability and overall functioning of schools in the area.
Similarly, issues concerning the Power Development Department (PDD), including electricity supply and maintenance of infrastructure, were thoroughly discussed and the concerned authorities were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the residents.
The District Development Commissioner also reviewed issues related to banking facilities and telecommunication and assured the public that necessary steps would be taken in consultation with the concerned agencies for improvement of mobile connectivity and banking services in the area. He further informed that all bank branches at DrabaSurankote have been designated to facilitate the residents of Hillkaka.
Discussions were also held regarding promotion of horticulture and agriculture activities in the region. Officers of the concerned departments were directed to extend all possible support and technical assistance to youth, farmers and horticulturists for enhancing productivity and livelihood opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, the District Development Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment towards equitable development of remote and border areas. He stated that public outreach programmes are being conducted regularly to take governance to the doorsteps of the people.
The delegation members appreciated the initiative of the district administration and expressed hope that the issues highlighted during the interaction would be resolved at the earliest.
