Kupwara: Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), Vikas Kundal, on Thursday visited the border Sub-Division Karnah and reviewed the progress of developmental works being carried out under the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) Phase-II in Gundi Gujran and Jabdi villages.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Suse and other senior officers accompanied the Chairman during the visit.
During the visit, Vikas Kundal chaired an inter-departmental review meeting at Mini Secretariat, Tangdhar, to assess the implementation status of various development projects and the overall developmental profile of the identified Vibrant Villages.
The meeting was attended by Secretary JKSSB Khurshid Ahmad Sanai, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Karnah Mohd Raiyaz, Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, BDO, Executive Engineer Tangdhar and other district and sectoral officers.
At the meeting, SDM Karnah gave a detailed presentation on the socio-economic and developmental status of the villages. It was informed that Gundi Gujran has 567 households with a population of 1,819, while Jabdi comprises 135 households with a population of 739.
The Chairman reviewed sector-wise progress in key areas including road connectivity, telecom facilities, power supply, drinking water, education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, social welfare and rural development.
Emphasising timely completion of projects, Vikas Kundal directed the concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of all ongoing works to achieve the objectives of the Vibrant Village Programme.
Later, the Chairman, along with the Deputy Commissioner, conducted a public outreach programme at Government High School Gundi Shart, where residents of Gundi Gujran and Jabdi projected various developmental demands and public issues.
Interacting with the people, Vikas Kundal directed the Roads and Buildings Department to expedite ongoing road projects and complete them before the onset of winter.
He stressed the need to promote livelihood opportunities through schemes including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Mission Yuva and cooperative initiatives.
He also called for strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative institutions to enhance economic opportunities and encourage self-reliance among rural households.
During the interaction, residents raised issues including the need for permanent paramedical staff at Health Centre Jabdi and construction of a community marriage hall.
The Chairman directed the concerned officers to take necessary measures for early resolution of the issues.
He also instructed line departments to organise regular awareness and outreach programmes to ensure greater public participation and effective dissemination of information regarding government welfare schemes and developmental initiatives.
Reaffirming the government’s focus on border area development, Vikas Kundal said the Vibrant Village Programme aims to strengthen infrastructure, improve public service delivery, expand livelihood opportunities and enhance the quality of life in remote border villages.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara informed that a comprehensive action plan was being prepared to project important local demands before the appropriate authorities. He also assured that facilities including a playfield and library would be developed to support the educational and recreational needs of local youth.
