Poonch, Jun 7 (JKNS): Reaffirming his commitment to transforming border areas into hubs of prosperity and opportunity, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday declared that border villages deserve the same level of development as the Union Territory’s largest towns and cities.
As per news agency JKNS, Sinha visited Nangali vibrant village in Poonch. He interacted with the residents, government officials, reviewed development works and addressed a public gathering. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor observed that border villages are our first glimpses and India’s true identity doesn’t just live in big cities, it thrives on our borders, serving as the proud gateways to our nation.
“My resolve is unwavering. Our border villages deserve the exact same development and prosperity as our biggest towns and cities. I will not rest until every family on the border enjoys the same progress and opportunities as those in urban J&K UT.
I will not rest until the youth in our border villages know their futures are bright and full of opportunity. The world must see India’s border villages not as the last hamlets, but as the beginning of a great dream. That is my mission. That is my promise,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that border villages are first glimpse of who we are. He emphasised that border villages should reflect the richness, dignity, and appeal of India’s spirit. He said that every family in Poonch’s 133 border villages must feel the same pride, prosperity, and hope that families in our larger cities feel.
“With the renewed commitment, we will work tirelessly to make these border villages symbols of development and prosperity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that he wants the youth of Nangali to dream as ambitiously as the youth of big cities.
“I want the women of all 133 border villages to have the same opportunities that are available in big cities. I want children across Poonch’s border villages to grow up believing their village is not a place to leave, but a place to build their future. My vision is clear. All 133 border villages of Poonch, including the 18 strategic villages brought under Vibrant Village Phase‑2, must become centers of opportunity. My pledge is to convert these villages into flourishing communities. I vow comprehensive development so that when the world looks at India it also sees prosperous, proud communities along our borders and the rich culture that sustains them,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the development of the border areas under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and various milestones achieved in Jammu Kashmir in the past 6 years.
“We have made significant strides in terms of development in Poonch’s border villages. Over the past 6 years, 20% of families have risen above the poverty line. Infrastructure is being strengthened with 94% road connectivity, 98% telecom, and 100% healthcare coverage. With family incomes up 25% and outmigration down 6%, our mission is absolute saturation of every welfare scheme and no household will be left behind,” the Lieutenant Governor said. (JKNS)
