Baramulla: Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Friday called for collective efforts to promote cleanliness, protect the environment and strengthen grassroots governance in Jammu and Kashmir.
The minister was addressing a programme at Government Degree College, Tangmarg, organised by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to mark the culmination of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign and the launch of Reforms Utsav (Gram Sabha) on Gandhi Jayanti.
MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director General Rural Sanitation Anoo Malhotra, district officials and local residents attended the event.
Paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Dar said Gandhi’s ideals of cleanliness, self-reliance, dignity of labour and village empowerment remain relevant today. He said sanitation should be viewed as a collective social responsibility and not the responsibility of any single department or individual.
The minister stressed the need for sustained public participation in maintaining cleanliness in villages, towns and public spaces and highlighted the importance of protecting water bodies, natural resources and the environment.
Referring to the launch of Reforms Utsav, Dar said Gram Sabhas play a vital role in strengthening grassroots democracy by enabling citizens to identify local priorities and participate in development planning.
He said effective rural development requires active community involvement and greater public ownership of development and sanitation initiatives.
MLA Gulmarg Peerzada Farooq Ahmad Shah also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of cleanliness, community participation and sustainable rural development.
As part of the programme, a plantation drive, quiz competition and flag-off ceremony for sanitation workers were organised. The minister appreciated the contribution of sanitation workers and said their services are essential for maintaining healthy and hygienic communities.
Later, Dar visited Government Degree College Tangmarg and inspected the institution’s multi-sports hall and library-cum-reading room. He reviewed the available infrastructure and interacted with the college administration regarding facilities and requirements for students.
