HANDWARA: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, on Friday conducted an extensive visit to Handwara and Drugmulla, where he chaired public interaction programmes aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring direct engagement with the people.
Rajya Sabha Member Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan accompanied the Minister during the visit.
The interaction at Handwara witnessed participation from residents, public representatives, youth, members of civil society, trade bodies and local stakeholders, who apprised the Minister of various developmental needs and public service-related issues.
Several deputations and individuals projected demands including installation of solar lighting at the Higher Secondary School (HSS) Handwara playground, augmentation of public transport services through additional bus routes, improvement of road connectivity, strengthening of civic infrastructure, enhancement of sports facilities for youth and improvement of other basic public amenities.
Responding to the issues raised, Satish Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent, accountable and people-centric governance. He said direct interaction with citizens enables the administration to better understand public aspirations and ensure timely redressal of issues affecting daily life.
The Minister assured the gathering that all genuine demands would be taken up with the concerned departments and addressed on priority. He directed officers to maintain close coordination with local representatives and ensure prompt follow-up on issues requiring immediate attention.
Addressing the gathering, Sharma expressed concern over the growing menace of drug abuse, describing it as one of the most serious social challenges confronting society. He said substance abuse poses a grave threat to the future of the younger generation and adversely affects families, communities and social harmony.
Calling for collective action, the Minister urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and youth to join hands in building a drug-free society. He said the fight against drug abuse cannot be won by the government alone and requires sustained public participation, awareness and community vigilance.
Highlighting the role of sports, education and skill development in shaping the future of young people, Sharma urged youth to channelise their energies towards constructive activities that contribute to personal growth and nation-building.
He reiterated that every region of Jammu and Kashmir deserves equitable development and assured the people that their aspirations would continue to receive focused attention.
Later, the Minister visited Drugmulla, where he chaired a public darbar and interacted with local residents. The people raised issues related to infrastructure development, public utilities, road connectivity, transport services and other local concerns.
The Minister assured the residents that all genuine issues would be resolved in a transparent and time-bound manner through close coordination with the concerned departments. He also directed officers to remain accessible to the public, adopt a proactive approach in addressing grievances and ensure that government schemes and welfare programmes reach every deserving beneficiary without delay.
Senior officers from the civil administration and line departments, besides public representatives and local leaders, were present during both programmes.
