DODA, JANUARY 15: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda, Harvinder Singh presided over the Block Diwas program at the Block Development Office (BDO) Ghat as part of a district-wide public outreach initiative.
The platform allowed citizens to voice their grievances, offer suggestions, and seek solutions from the administration. The event saw significant participation from district officers, representatives of various government departments, public representatives, and residents of Ghat town and its surrounding areas.
During the event, citizens raised various critical demands seeking road connectivity to nearby villages, augmentation of drinking water, adequate healthcare and teaching staff in health institutions and schools.
Specific demands included the construction of roads under PMGSY and R&B, the establishment of a 50-bedded Mother Care Unit in Ghat and the upgradation of High School Hanch to a Higher Secondary level.
The locals further sought speedy execution of JJM projects, removal of encroachments on cremation grounds and the need for a community hall, trauma center, and improved sanitation under SBM schemes.
The Residents also called for the appointment of pharmacists, renovation of the Ghat-Pul Doda road and introduction of new subjects in Higher Secondary School Ghat.
The DDC assured the public that their grievances would be addressed in a time-bound manner. He directed concerned officers to prioritize issues related to water supply, road construction, healthcare, education, and electricity. He also committed to establishing a multi-bedded Mother Care Hospital, a community hall, and a conference hall at the block headquarters. Highlighting the administration’s focus on sanitation and plastic waste management, he announced plans for constructing a road bypassing the Badrun area to improve connectivity and reduce congestion.
About improving school infrastructure, the DDC informed the gathering that the administration is taking significant steps to provide desks and benches to schools across the district. He also emphasized the need for increased awareness about various schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) initiative.
The DDC assured the public that the demand for up-gradation of schools and road connectivity to educational institutions has been taken up with higher authorities. He directed the XENs of PMGSY and R&B to expedite road construction works in Block Ghat. Furthermore, the BMO was instructed to ensure a proper duty roster for doctors in health centers, while the CEO was directed to ensure the availability and punctuality of teaching staff across the block.
The DC also instructed the Tehsildar concerned to identify land for developing a playground in Hanch village. Addressing encroachments on the cremation ground (Shamshan Ghat), he directed the concerned Patwari to provide detailed information, while the Tehsildar was asked to ensure comprehensive reporting on the matter, including encroachments on state land.
Regarding grievances related to MGNREGA job cards, the DC informed the public about the establishment of a grievance cell and control room to address such issues. He further directed officials to avoid revenue losses in every Panchayat and to utilize Panchayat funds for the welfare of the community.
The DC also urged the public to cooperate with the district administration in making the newly launched government initiative, Mission Youth, a success. He emphasized the importance of providing genuine information while registering for Mission Youth, which aims to empower and support the youth in Doda District by connecting them to opportunities in skill development and employment.
Similar, Block Diwas programs were held at other locations across Doda district, including Khellani Park in Bhalla, Panchayat Ghar Bathri in Thathri, Batar in Gandoh (Bhallessa), and PWD Guest House Bagger in Assar. These sessions witnessed active participation from local residents, overseen by Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). District and sectoral officers from key departments such as Public Works, Jal Shakti, Health, Education, and Rural Development actively engaged with citizens, addressing grievances on the spot.
The Block Diwas program at Khellani Park in Bhalla was presided over by the DDC Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, and attended by DDC Vice-Chairperson Sangeeta Rani, ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar, DDC Member Yudhveer Singh Thakur and officers from concerned departments.
The Block Diwas initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and community involvement. Citizens appreciated the effort to resolve issues and promote transparency. Feedback collected during these sessions will be incorporated into future development strategies to address public needs effectively.
