Sheikh Sameer
Udhampur, October 3: Juhi Manhas Pathania, Vice Chairperson of the District Development Council Udhampur, hailed the significant transformation of Gram Swaraj in Jammu and Kashmir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The revamped Gram Swaraj now embodies self-dependence, self-decision making, and self-reliance for Panchayats.
Addressing Gram Sabhas held on Gandhi Jayanti at Bilaspur and S.K.Bair Panchayats, the Vice Chairperson emphasized that Panchayats and local body institutions in J&K now operate with a higher degree of autonomy. She administered ‘Swachata’ pledges to PRIs at various locations and discussed critical issues such as MGNREGA convergence, DDC Capex, PRO Capex, water and electricity supply, health and wellness, PMGSY roads, school infrastructure, and staff shortages in schools and institutions.
Juhi Manhas Pathania highlighted the increased funding available to Panchayats, emphasizing that the Gram Sabha is the supreme decision-making body, aligning with the principles of ‘Antyodaya’ envisioned by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. She noted that Bharat Sarkar recently celebrated the centenary year of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Ji’s birth anniversary and highlighted the constitution of the 2nd and 3rd Tiers of Panchayati Raj institutions in J&K for the first time.
During her Basti Sampark program at SC Basti Mela in Panchayat S.K.Bair, Tehsil Majalta, Juhi assessed progress on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna houses, Pensions, SC scholarships, SVAMITVA, PM-KISAN, JJM, and other centrally sponsored schemes.
She also shared information about the ambitious ‘Panj Tirath’ program, which identifies and showcases historic sites related to the life of Baba Saheb B.R. Ambedkar. Additionally, initiatives like the development of memorials and centers to promote tourism and educate youth about Baba Saheb’s contributions have been launched.
Juhi Manhas Pathania was joined by Mohan Lal Sharma Sarpanch S.K.Bair, Manoj Verma Sarpanch Bilaspur, Shiv Ram, Mohan Lal Panch, various other PRIs from Block Khoon, and officials from various line departments.
