KISHTWAR, MAY 13: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired the weekly Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at Panchayat Bhagna C, Block Nagseni to directly engage with people and effectively redress public grievances through grassroots governance.
The Block Diwas programme, organized under the directions of the Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K, aimed to bring governance to the doorstep of citizens, ensuring transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner administered the Nasha Mukt pledge to participants as part of the ongoing 100 Day Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, launched by the Lieutenant Governor on April 11, 2026. He urged residents to actively spread awareness and collectively contribute towards building a drug-free society. Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh emphasized the importance of community participation to effectively combat drug abuse.
ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal also shared insights on the ongoing Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan campaign in the district.
The programme witnessed active participation from former PRI members including Ex DDC members, Ex-BDCs and residents from all 12 panchayats of the Block.
The residents raised several demands, seeking commencement of classes I local KV, adequate staff in schools, streamlining of Mid-Day Meal scheme, functioning of PHC Kiru, separate R&B office in the block, besides augmentation of education, healthcare, water-supply, electricity, telecommunication and road connectivity.
Responding to the demands, the DC resolved most issues on the spot and noted other matters requiring intervention at the higher level.
Referring to the Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gramin Utkarsh Abhiyan, the DC acknowledged the underdeveloped Gujjar and Bakarwal habitations in the 12 panchayats of the Block. He noted that the Abhiyan, initiated by the Prime Minister, aims to provide 100 percent electricity, water and road connectivity to every hamlet in a phased manner.
He added that all left-out households and areas in Block Nagseni would be covered under this scheme. Regarding electrification, he assured that the work is set to begin immediately.
The DC directed the Chief Education Officer to identify schools requiring minor repairs, such as in Cherji and submit proposals accordingly.
He informed the local residents that KV classes shall commence soon at a makeshift building provided by the Power Project Authorities, while the land transfer for the main KV school building is at its final stage.
The DC further assured that temporary restoration of remaining irrigation canals (Kuhls) shall also be undertaken, directing the ExEn Jal Shakti to include these in the Capex Budget.
Regarding network connectivity, the DC informed that the CMD of BSNL has assured 24/7 network coverage for the entire area within the next two months.
Sharing insights on 100 day Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, the DC sought public cooperation to eradicate drug menace. He said the government is taking strict measures against perpetrators, including cancellation of driving licenses, demolition of properties and termination of government employees. Three government employees in Kishtwar have already been terminated for their involvement in drug related offences.
The Deputy Commissioner also informed that women-led Nigrani Samitis have been formed across all 136 panchayats of the district to monitor and report illegal activities. The DC set a target of declaring Block Nagseni Nasha Mukt within one month after proper verification and implementation of SOPs.
The DC directed the CEO to maintain a healthy teacher-student ratio and ensure proper functioning of the Mid-Day Meal scheme in each institution. He also appreciated the Block Development Officer (BDO) Nagseni and his staff for efficient work and minimal public complaints compared to other blocks.
Meanwhile, the District officers responded to public queries regarding their respective departments and shared information on UT and Central Government welfare and financial inclusion schemes. The departments had set up stalls providing details on welfare and economic development programmes including Mission Yuva, HADP, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other centrally sponsored schemes.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to reaching remote and underserved areas and encouraged citizens to actively participate in such platforms to voice concerns and contribute to the district’s development.
PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma, CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani, CPO Akhil Thakur, ACR Idrees Lone, ACD Manoj Kumar, local Tehsildar HQA to the DC Mohammad Rafie Naik; ALC Mamta Sudershan; CAO Kushal Chandel; DSHO Dr. Jamil Nasir; ExEn Jal Shakti Rohit Wadera; DNO Ayush Dr. Vikram Singh Jamwal; CEO Sanjay Dogra; ExEn Jalshakti and other district, sectoral officers and staff from various departments.
