Jammu: The weekly Block Diwas was held today at village Parlah of block Suchetgarh where Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and other officers of the district came together to redress public grievances.
District Development Council Member, Taranjit Singh Tony, BDC Chairman Suchetgarh, Tarsaim Singh; Sarpanches, Shashi Kumar and Sham Lal besides other PRI representatives were also prominent attendees.
The locals voiced several key grievances, including revenue matters, the pressing need for augmentation of services in the local Primary Health Centre and concerns about the considerable distance to the nearest Higher Secondary School. Other concerns raised encompassed improving irrigation facilities, addressing electricity issues and delays in project completion affecting local developments.
Additionally, issues related to pension disbursement, particularly documentation challenges and delays in widow and disability pension payments, were discussed. The public representatives also emphasised the need to address defence-related concerns and matters concerning land compensation.
The PRI representatives also highlighted the necessity of enhancing the condition of the local sports stadium and addressing excessive power bills that impact low-income individuals. The establishment of interconnecting roads between neighbouring villages to enhance connectivity also figured in the list of grievances.
The DDC Member, while appreciating the Block Diwas proceedings, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary services and the invaluable contribution of the Block Medical Officer in Suchetgarh. Her role in generating awareness about breast cancer and its treatment was particularly lauded by the DDC member.
PRI representatives took the opportunity to extend their gratitude for several demands which were promptly redressed by the administration like, construction of local community hall, efforts to ensure equitable access to water resources through tube wells under the Jal Shakti Mission, swift redressal of several power-related concerns and repairs carried out on specific school buildings.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the LG administration's directive, which emphasises special attention to the saturation of welfare schemes and benefits for residents residing along the border. The DC assured attendees that grievances not immediately addressed would be prioritised for early resolution. Operational and budget-based priorities would be established to address all genuine concerns raised, he said.
The DC encouraged a proactive approach in resolving minor issues before they escalate and affect a larger portion of the community, emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive and constructive outlook.
Prominent officers present at the occasion include Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Seointra; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Harbaksh Singh; Chief Planning Officer, Yoginder Katoch besides other district officers.
Later in the evening, a meeting was convened at district headquarters to review the actions taken on feedback from previous Block Diwas meetings held in blocks Bhalwal, Miran Sahib and Marh. The DC stressed on timely action and redressal of public grievances highlighting the significance of the public outreach programmes.