BARAMULLA: Commissioner Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, who is also the Nodal Officer for Vibrant Villages Maidanan and Salasan, on Wednesday visited the two border villages in Uri sub-division to review the progress of developmental works being carried out under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) Phase-II.
Accompanied by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate Uri, Joint Director School Education North Kashmir, Deputy Chief Education Officer Baramulla and other officials, Sharma interacted with residents, community representatives and local stakeholders in both villages.
During the interaction, villagers raised issues related to infrastructure, road connectivity, education, healthcare, drinking water supply and livelihood opportunities. They also shared suggestions for improving public services and accelerating development in the border areas.
Assuring residents of the government’s commitment to the welfare of border communities, Sharma said the Vibrant Villages Programme aims to transform remote villages into self-reliant and vibrant settlements through focused developmental interventions and improved service delivery.
He said sustained efforts are being made to strengthen infrastructure and create better socio-economic opportunities for people living in border areas.
The Commissioner Secretary also reviewed the status of ongoing projects and government schemes in the two villages. Officials briefed him about the progress achieved so far, challenges being faced and future plans under the programme.
Stressing the need for timely completion of projects, Sharma directed officers to ensure close coordination among departments and regular monitoring so that developmental benefits reach people on the ground.
He also asked officials to maintain close engagement with local communities, address public grievances proactively and ensure transparency, accountability and quality in the execution of works.
The visit provided an opportunity to assess developmental requirements firsthand and reaffirm the administration’s commitment to accelerating development in border villages under the Vibrant Villages Programme.