KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today convened a public meeting at PWD Rest House, Mahanpur to listen to public issues and review the overall status of essential services in the area.
ADDC Kathua, Surinder Mohan Sharma, ADC Basohli, Pankaj Bhagotra, CPO, Ranjit Thakur, officers from various departments, former PRI representatives including ex-BDC chairman, ex-sarpanches, panches and a large number of residents from Mahanpur and adjoining areas attended the meeting.
The public raised several issues including shortage of staff at Trauma Centre Mahanpur, vacant post of radiologist, shortage of teaching staff, demand for school upgradation, availability of crates for flood protection, restoration of damaged roads and pending cases of relief and compensation.
The DC gave a patient hearing and said that such outreach meetings help the administration understand ground realities, especially in distant, hilly and isolated regions, enabling timely and effective resolution of concerns.
On the shortage of medical staff, the DC assured that the availability of doctors will be ensured on a rotational basis. The matter of teaching staff requirements will be examined and taken up accordingly. He also directed immediate issuance of tents and temporary relief for school buildings declared unsafe. Issues related to mobile connectivity and issuance of EWS certificates were also taken up, with the DC directing the concerned departments for early redressal.
Regarding relief and compensation for recent flash floods and rains, the DC informed that the prescribed assistance has already been disbursed among affected households for fully and partially damaged structures. He also stated that funds have been released to concerned departments for temporary restoration of essential services. The DC appealed to the public to avail benefits under Mission Yuva, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and various schemes of agriculture and allied sectors.
