Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today attended the culmination programme of Swachhata Hi Seva and the launch of Reforms Utsav (Gram Sabha), organised on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Government Degree College, Tangmarg.
The programme was organised by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K.
The aim of the event was to reinforce the message of cleanliness, community participation and grassroots development.
MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah; Director General, Rural Sanitation, RD&PR, J&K, Anoo Malhotra; ACD Baramulla; Principal, Government Degree College Tangmarg; senior officers of the district administration and a large gathering from Tangmarg and adjoining areas were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Javid Ahmad Dar paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, recalling his unparalleled contribution to India’s freedom struggle and his enduring vision of a society based on truth, non-violence, dignity of labour, cleanliness, self-reliance and service to humanity.
The Minister said that Gandhi Ji considered cleanliness not merely a personal habit but a collective social responsibility and attached great importance to sanitation, dignity of labour and the upliftment of rural communities. He said Gandhi Ji’s vision of Gram Swaraj, with empowered villages and active participation of people in local affairs, continues to hold great relevance in the present times.
“Swachhata is life and cleanliness is not the responsibility of one department or one individual; it is a collective responsibility of society as a whole,” Javid Dar said. He stressed the need for sustained public participation to keep villages, towns and public spaces clean.
He emphasised the importance of protecting water bodies, natural resources and the fragile environment of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations. He said J&K is blessed with exceptional natural beauty and abundant environmental resources, which impose an equally important responsibility on every citizen to protect and preserve them.
Referring to the launch of Reforms Utsav, the Minister said that beginning the initiative on Gandhi Jayanti carries special significance as it seeks to further strengthen participatory governance at the grassroots level.
He said Gram Sabhas are an important instrument of grassroots democracy, providing citizens an opportunity to identify local priorities, deliberate upon developmental requirements and participate in planning interventions according to the specific needs of their communities.
Javid Dar said that effective rural development cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and called for greater ownership and participation of people in development and sanitation initiatives.
The Minister maintained that the vision can be translated into reality only when every citizens understands and fulfils their responsibility towards society, environment and the larger public good.
As part of the programme, a plantation drive, quiz competition and flag-off ceremony for sanitation workers were held, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, awareness and dignity of sanitation work.
The Minister appreciated the contribution of sanitation workers and stressed that their services play a vital role in maintaining healthy and hygienic communities.
MLA Gulmarg, Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of cleanliness, community participation and sustainable rural development.
Later, the Minister visited Government Degree College Tangmarg and inspected the Multi-Sports Hall and Library-cum-Reading Room. He took stock of the facilities and infrastructure available for students and interacted with the college administration regarding the requirements and amenities being provided to the students.