KATHUA, OCTOBER 02: Special Gram Sabhas were organised today across Panchayats of District Kathua as part of the nationwide launch of Reform Utsav on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. The initiative aims at strengthening grassroots democracy, improving public service delivery and fostering greater community participation in rural development.
Secretary in Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Rachna Sharma participated in Gram Sabha at Panchayat Chann Khatriyan- Block Hiranagar in the presence of ACD Kathua Gulshan Kumar and other officers and officials. Former PRIs, women and members of the local community participated actively in the programme.
A Special Gram Sabha was held at Panchayat Karroh- block Keerian Gangyal in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, line department officers, ex-PRIs and local residents. The proceedings included commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti, review of development works, distribution of books at Panchayat Library, plantation and awareness on Government schemes, including VB-G-RAM-G.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of Gram Sabha as a platform for participatory governance, public feedback and grassroots planning. He said that the Reform Utsav aims to take reforms and Government services closer to the people. Public issues related to drinking water, Agriculture/KCC, PM-KISAN, power supply and monkey menace were also raised and noted for necessary action.
At Panchayat Falote B, Block Nagri, the Gram sabha was organised in the presence of ADC Mahima Madan, officers of line departments, Ex-PRI representatives and local residents. Officials apprised the participants about Government schemes, reforms and citizen-centric services, besides guiding them on accessing available benefits.
The Gram Sabhas were simultaneously organised across all Panchayats of the district, providing a platform for direct interaction between the administration and local communities.
Meanwhile, ADC Billawar Vishavjeet Singh participated in Gram Sabhas at Mandli, Bhaddu, Dewal and Rampur, while ADC Basohli Pankaj Bagotra participated in Gram Sabhas at Panchayat Rehan and Panchayat Gaghrore. SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh and SDM Bani Sundeep Kumar also participated in the Gram Sabhas.
Municipal Council Kathua also organized a program under Reform Utsav to generate public awareness about the Government schemes and urban development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, sanitation, housing and basic civic amenities.
The proceedings across the district focused on grassroots planning, review of development works, awareness regarding Government schemes and reforms, public grievance redressal, environmental conservation and strengthening citizen participation in rural governance.
