Udhampur, June 11
In a significant step towards the socio-economic upliftment and integrated development of Scheduled Caste dominated villages, the Department of Social Welfare Udhampur on Thursday organised special gram sabhas at village Jhonu in Block Jaganoo and village Sial Jattan in Block Udhampur under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY).
The gram sabhas were conducted under the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY with the objective of preparing and finalising Village Development Plans through participatory planning.
A large number of locals participated in the meetings alongside representatives from various government departments. The participants deliberated upon the infrastructure and livelihood needs of the target villages.
During the meetings, detailed discussions were held to identify developmental gaps and ensure convergence of various Central and UT government welfare schemes for providing essential services and improving the quality of life in villages identified under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana.
Addressing the gatherings, the officers highlighted that PM-AJAY aims to strengthen basic infrastructure by providing facilities such as internal approach roads, solid and liquid waste management systems, solar street lights and safe drinking water. Emphasis was also laid on promoting livelihood opportunities through skill development programmes and financial assistance for individual and group asset creation initiatives. The importance of improving educational infrastructure and enhancing school enrolment was also underscored.
The interactive sessions witnessed active participation from the local community, with residents putting forth demands relating to drainage facilities, installation of solar lights and skill development opportunities for rural youth.
The feedback and suggestions received from the villagers were duly documented by the field functionaries concerned for incorporation in the Village Development Plans.
More than 150 to 200 people from both the panchayats took part in the gram sabhas organised in their respective villages.
Former Sarpanches and former PRI representatives expressed appreciation to the district administration for prioritising these SC-dominated villages and ensuring transparency and community participation in the grassroots planning process.
