Devansh announces to host Winter Carnival at Dera ki Gali
Rajouri : To strengthen public outreach and address the concerns of people at their doorstep, the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Dr.Devansh Yadav Wednesday chaired a Block Diwas / Service Delivery Camp at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), ShahdraSharief- Thanamandi block.
The Deputy Commissioner patiently listened to the grievances raised by the residents of Shahdra-A and adjoining areas.
Besides, officials from Social Welfare, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, revenue departments facilitated the delivery of respective services.
The Deputy Commissioner presented certificates to five beneficiaries of the Sheep Husbandry Department, including two beneficiaries under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and three beneficiaries under the JKCIP.
The Agriculture Department also facilitated farmers through various government schemes. One beneficiary availed the tractor subsidy component of Farm Mechanisation under HADP, while three others were covered under the Vegetable Expansion component of the JKCIP project. Additionally, three sanction letters were issued for the Water Storage Tank and Vermicompost Unit, enabling beneficiary farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices to strengthen farm-based livelihoods.
As part of the public welfare initiatives, the Deputy Commissioner also gave away two sanction letters under the Marriage Assistance Scheme amounting to ₹75,000 and ₹50,000. Two sanction letters for old-age pension under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) and one sanction letter for widow pension under the same scheme were also issued to eligible beneficiaries.
To support persons with disabilities and facilitate their mobility, three walking sticks, one elbow stick and a play kit for a child with a physical disability were also distributed during the programme. A medical camp and a revenue camp were also organised to facilitate public access to healthcare services and revenue-related services. The Sheep Husbandry Department also provided different services to beneficiaries.
To promote sports culture, fitness and community participation, a volleyball match and tug-of-war competition were also organised at local Higher Secondary School.
The Deputy Commissioner assured the public that the grievances raised during the camp would be taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate and time-bound redressal. He reiterated the district administration’s commitment to extend all basic amenities and essential government services to every citizen.
Emphasising the need to explore livelihood opportunities, Dr. Yadav encouraged people to identify areas in which they can enhance their income and seek guidance and support from the concerned departments. He highlighted the huge potential for horticulture in the region, urging the farmers to explore opportunities to expand horticultural activities with the support of the stakeholder departments.
He also highlighted the immense tourism potential of the ShahdraSharief, which attracts a large number of devotees and visitors to the revered shrine. He advised local residents to coordinate with the Tourism Department and explore opportunities under the Homestay Policy, observing that the homestay could provide additional income to families, while strengthening the local tourism economy.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the district administration is planning to organise a Winter Carnival at Dera Ki Gali to promote it as a tourism destination and showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural potential. He further assured to identify a suitable building for shifting the Primary Health Centre (PHC) to improve healthcare delivery for the local population. He further directed for identifying suitable land for construction of the proposed Indoor Stadium in the area.
Addressing concerns regarding road connectivity, the Deputy Commissioner assured that road-related works and demands would be taken up on a priority basis, with due consideration to public requirements and the availability of resources.
The Block Diwas camp provided an opportunity to residents to interact directly with the district administration and representatives of various departments, seek information about government schemes and raise issues requiring administrative intervention.
Among others present at the camp included ADDC Malik Zada Sheraz Ul Haq; CPO Maqsood Ahmed; ACR Mohammad Jahangir Khan; ACD SherazChowhan; Administrator Auqaf Abdul Qayoom Mir, besides other district and sectoral officers.
