Karnah, Jun 24 (JKNS): Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), Vikas Kundal (IAS), on Wednesday undertook an extensive visit to the border Sub-Division of Karnah to assess the progress of developmental works being carried out under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) Phase-II. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, accompanied him during the visit.
The Chairman inspected development initiatives in the identified Vibrant Villages of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi and later chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Mini Secretariat, Tangdhar.
Senior officers from various departments, including Secretary JKSSB Khurshid Ahmad Sanai, SDM Karnah Mohd Raiyaz, Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Engineer R&B, BDO Tangdhar and other officials participated in the meeting.
During the review, the administration presented the socio-economic profile of the two villages. Officials informed that Gundi Gujran has a population of 1,819 spread across 567 households, while Jabdi is home to 739 people residing in 135 households.
Vikas Kundal examined the implementation status of projects related to roads, power, drinking water, telecommunication, healthcare, education, agriculture, rural development and social welfare. He instructed all concerned departments to ensure timely completion of ongoing works so that the objectives of the Vibrant Village Programme are achieved effectively.
Later, the Chairman, accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner, interacted with local residents during a public outreach programme held at Government High School Gundi Shart. People from Gundi Gujran and Jabdi highlighted several issues concerning infrastructure, healthcare and community facilities.
Responding to the grievances, Kundal directed the Roads and Buildings Department to accelerate all road construction works and complete them before the onset of winter. He also stressed the need to promote self-employment through government initiatives such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mission Yuva and cooperative ventures. He emphasized strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to generate sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Among the major demands raised by the public were the deployment of permanent paramedical staff at the Health Centre in Jabdi and the construction of a community marriage hall. The Chairman instructed the concerned departments to examine these demands and take appropriate action at the earliest.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara assured residents that genuine public grievances would receive priority attention. He directed the Chief Medical Officer to explore the possibility of strengthening healthcare services at Jabdi and announced that a playground and a library would be developed to support local youth.
The Chairman further directed all line departments to organise regular awareness campaigns to ensure that people living in remote border villages are fully informed about government welfare schemes and development programmes.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of border areas, Vikas Kundal said the Vibrant Village Programme is aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding livelihood opportunities, strengthening public services and enhancing the overall quality of life in remote villages along the border. (JKNS)
