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  • Public outreach programmes held across districts; major development projects reviewed, Census-2027 preparations intensified, tribal welfare activities organised and power shutdown schedule announced

JAMMU/KASHMIR: In a series of administrative, developmental and public welfare initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir, district administrations on Tuesday intensified efforts to strengthen grassroots governance, improve public infrastructure, address citizens' grievances and expand access to government welfare schemes. From public outreach programmes and development reviews to youth empowerment, tribal welfare, agricultural initiatives, disaster preparedness and administrative reforms, several important activities were undertaken across different districts of the Union Territory.

PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND GRASSROOTS GOVERNANCE

District administrations across Reasi, Samba, Udhampur, Pulwama, Kathua, Rajouri, Bandipora and Kupwara organised public outreach programmes, Block Diwas events and grievance redressal camps to directly interact with residents and address their concerns.

In Reasi, District Development Commissioner Kumar Abhishek chaired a public grievance redressal camp at Thub, where residents highlighted issues concerning road connectivity, healthcare, education, drinking water, electricity, mobile network connectivity and other essential facilities. The DDC directed officers to strengthen field-level presence, ensure regular inspections and resolve genuine public grievances within stipulated timelines.

Similarly, Deputy Commissioner Samba Dr. Rupesh Kumar conducted a Block Diwas programme at Chilayari in Rajpura, reviewing demands related to roads, drinking water, healthcare, education and electricity. In Udhampur, Deputy Commissioner Ananth Dwivedi visited the remote Kulwanta Block, where residents raised concerns regarding dilapidated roads, school infrastructure, drinking water, transportation, veterinary facilities and uninterrupted electricity supply. Several grievances were addressed on the spot, while Kisan Credit Cards were distributed among eligible beneficiaries.

In Kathua, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma presided over a Block Diwas programme at Janglote South, directing officers to expedite pending road projects, ensure regular drinking water supply and identify eligible families left out of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Dr. Devansh Yadav chaired a public grievance redressal and service delivery camp at Darhal, where demands concerning roads, healthcare, educational infrastructure, sports facilities, tourism development and drinking water were raised. The administration announced Rs 30 lakh for the development of a local water body and distributed wheelchairs, walking sticks, hearing aids, pension sanction letters and other welfare benefits among eligible beneficiaries.

In Pulwama, District Development Commissioner Kuldeep Krishan Sidha chaired an outreach and grievance redressal camp at Eidgah Shar, Pampore, reviewing public demands concerning saffron cultivation, irrigation, healthcare, road connectivity, mobile networks, sanitation and employment opportunities. He also announced the launch of the district-level SSS Campaign focusing on Skill Development, Self-Employment, Sports and Studies.

Additional District Magistrate-level and Block Diwas programmes were also conducted in Kupwara and Bandipora, where residents highlighted issues concerning basic amenities, education, healthcare, drinking water, electricity and timely execution of development works.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MONITORING

Several district administrations reviewed ongoing development projects, emphasising timely completion, quality execution and accountability of executing agencies.

In Budgam, MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi reviewed developmental works being executed under the Constituency Development Fund. Officials informed the meeting that 96.41 per cent of proposed works had received administrative approval, 95.03 per cent had been taken up for execution and 83.85 per cent of sanctioned works had been completed.

In Kulgam, Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam inspected educational infrastructure and playground upgradation works in Devsar, directing officials to ensure quality execution and timely completion.

In Shopian, District Development Commissioner Charandeep Singh conducted an extensive inspection of development projects in Keegam and adjoining areas, reviewing water supply schemes worth Rs 410.63 lakh, a multi-cell causeway bridge project worth Rs 912.98 lakh, administrative buildings and electricity infrastructure works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

The DDC directed engineers to maintain updated physical and financial progress records and display approved project reports and site plans at construction locations.

In Bandipora, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib reviewed drinking water, road connectivity and school infrastructure during visits to Dobun, Dongi Behak and Turknari. She directed officials to expedite the proposed Jal Jeevan Mission water supply scheme estimated at Rs 699 lakh and assured improved tanker-based water supply as an immediate relief measure. She also stressed rooftop rainwater harvesting for sustainable water conservation.

During a Mega Block Diwas at Ashtangoo-Aloosa, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed demands concerning roads, drinking water, healthcare, playgrounds, drainage and other civic facilities.

CENSUS-2027 PREPARATIONS GAIN MOMENTUM

Preparations for Census-2027 have gathered pace, with training programmes organised for district and charge-level officers in Poonch, Shopian, Anantnag and Ramban.

The training sessions focused on Population Enumeration, digital applications, prescribed guidelines, field-level procedures, accurate data collection and supervisory responsibilities.

Deputy Commissioners emphasised the importance of meticulous planning, inter-departmental coordination, accountability and proper capacity building of field functionaries to ensure the smooth and accurate conduct of the national exercise.

TRIBAL WELFARE AND JANJATIYA GAURAV DIWAS CELEBRATIONS

Districts across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a series of activities under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada 2026, highlighting tribal heritage, cultural identity, healthcare and socio-economic empowerment.

In Kathua, educational institutions organised essay writing, story writing and painting competitions highlighting tribal contributions to India's freedom struggle and cultural traditions.

In Ramban, students participated in painting competitions on the theme 'My Tribe, My Heritage', showcasing the lifestyle, traditions and identity of tribal communities.

In Udhampur, a one-day awareness camp was organised at tribal village Jar, where different departments disseminated information about government welfare schemes. Health check-ups were conducted, while agricultural inputs and information regarding livestock schemes were provided to beneficiaries.

Baramulla witnessed health outreach activities in remote tribal areas, including a mega health camp at Darakashi in Tangmarg and healthcare awareness activities at Chaarunda in Uri. Medical teams provided consultations, free medicines, diagnostic facilities and awareness regarding adolescent health, nutrition and sanitation.

Similarly, Bandipora organised awareness programmes in Gurez, Tulail and other tribal areas, focusing on horticulture, agriculture, nutrition, health, hygiene and livelihood opportunities. Students at Eklavya Model Residential School, Gurez, participated in painting activities depicting the life and contributions of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, EDUCATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Several initiatives were undertaken to encourage youth participation, leadership development, creativity and educational advancement.

In Pulwama, Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Krishan Sidha inaugurated the District-Level National Youth Festival at Government Degree College (Boys), featuring folk songs, folk dances, painting and poetry competitions. Selected participants will represent the district at the upcoming Inter-District Youth Festival.

MY Bharat organised Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament programmes in Kupwara and Ramban on the theme 'One Nation, One Election'. Around 160 students participated in the Ramban programme, engaging in discussions on democratic values and parliamentary practices.

Government Degree College Katra also registered notable success at the District-Level Youth Parliament in Reasi, where Sonali Devi secured first position and Chinta Devi bagged third position.

In Anantnag, a career counselling and distribution camp under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was organised at Government Degree College Uttersoo. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat emphasised girls' education and empowerment and distributed study material among students preparing for competitive examinations.

AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS

Agriculture and allied sectors also received attention through awareness programmes and livelihood initiatives.

The Sheep Husbandry Department, Poonch, organised a district-level awareness camp under HADP Scheme P-15, witnessing participation of more than 100 sheep and goat farmers. Experts provided guidance on scientific feeding, winter nutrition, disease prevention and livestock management.

In Rajouri, the Deputy Commissioner announced a Kisan Mela to familiarise farmers with modern agricultural practices and government schemes. Directions were also issued for establishing a milk collection centre in Darhal to strengthen the local livestock sector.

In Kupwara, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma reviewed the implementation of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, focusing on Self-Help Groups, bank credit linkages, livelihood generation, Agri-Nutri Gardens and the Lakhpati Didi initiative.

The Employment Department in Bandipora also organised an Udyam Jagriti Programme for Self-Help Group members at Aragam to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY

Administrative infrastructure and grievance redressal mechanisms were also strengthened through various initiatives.

In Anantnag, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat inaugurated the newly constructed Naibat Building at Arwani in Bijbehara, aimed at bringing administrative services closer to residents.

In Kulgam, Additional District Development Commissioner Altaf Ahmad Khan reviewed grievances received through JK Samadhan and other online platforms, directing departments to ensure time-bound disposal of pending complaints.

Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma reviewed the functioning of the Revenue Department, emphasising timely disposal of mutations, updation of land records, farmer ID generation, land acquisition cases and delivery of services under the Public Services Guarantee Act.

WINTER PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

With winter approaching, district administrations have intensified preparedness measures to deal with emergencies and natural disasters.

Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Shahzad Alam chaired a meeting with the State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services and other stakeholders to review winter preparedness. Departments were directed to conduct regular mock drills, maintain emergency equipment and ensure the operational readiness of firefighting vehicles and response teams.

POWER SHUTDOWNS ANNOUNCED IN SEVERAL AREAS

Meanwhile, power distribution authorities have announced scheduled shutdowns in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate maintenance and related works.

According to the Superintending Engineer, O&M Circle JPDCL Kishtwar, power supply to Khellani, Bhara, Southa, Lahorte and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 6 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, has also announced several shutdowns affecting areas of Srinagar, Awantipora and Kulgam during November. These include affected areas around Khunmoh, Khanda, Sangam, Bemina, Fatehkadal, Zadibal, DH Pora, Yaripora, Devsar, Qaimoh and Qazigund on the respective scheduled dates between November 5 and 18.

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to take note of the announced shutdown schedules.

Overall, the series of initiatives reflects the continued focus of district administrations across Jammu and Kashmir on improving public service delivery, strengthening infrastructure, promoting inclusive development, empowering youth and tribal communities, expanding livelihood opportunities and ensuring better preparedness for the forthcoming winter season.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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