Srinagar: The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD&PR) Department on Friday organised Special Gram Sabhas across all 4,291 panchayats of Jammu and Kashmir to mark Gandhi Jayanti and observe Reform Utsav 2026.
Officials said the meetings witnessed participation from deputy commissioners, senior officers, panchayat representatives, line department officials, women, youth and local residents, with discussions centred on local development priorities, public service delivery and participatory governance.
Deputy Commissioners of Bandipora, Kathua, Kulgam and Ramban, along with other senior officials, attended Gram Sabha proceedings in their respective districts and interacted with residents.
Director Rural Development Kashmir Riyaz Ahmad Wani participated in a Gram Sabha at Choon Panchayat in Budgam district. He said Panchayat Development Plans should be based on public consultation and reflect the needs of all sections of society, including women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
According to officials, the Gram Sabhas discussed preparation of Panchayat Development Plans, implementation of government schemes, livelihood generation, drinking water supply, sanitation, roads, education, healthcare, social welfare and environmental conservation.
The meetings also focused on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with participants discussing the role of panchayats, families, schools and community institutions in preventing substance abuse and promoting awareness about its social and health consequences.
Sanitation and waste management were among the key issues deliberated upon, with officials briefing residents on provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, including waste segregation, scientific disposal and maintenance of sanitation assets.
Residents were given an opportunity to raise grievances, highlight local development needs and suggest projects for inclusion in Panchayat Development Plans. Officials said the participation of various departments also helped disseminate information about welfare schemes and improve coordination in addressing local priorities.
Additional Secretary RD&PR Wasim Raja visited Drudhu Panchayat in Bhaderwah, while Joint Director Rural Development Department Mantasha Rashid participated in a Gram Sabha in Ganderbal district.
Senior officers and departmental teams visited panchayats across the Union Territory to monitor the proceedings and record public feedback, officials said.
