RAJOURI: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday continued his public outreach programme across Rajouri district, interacting with residents at Nowshera, Dalhori (Dhangri) and Thanamandi and taking stock of public issues, developmental concerns and aspirations.
During the interaction at Nowshera, individuals and various delegations apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of issues concerning their respective areas. He assured them that the government remains committed to responsive governance and timely redressal of genuine public grievances.
On his way to Dalhori (Dhangri), the Deputy Chief Minister met local residents at Dalogra and listened to their concerns, reiterating the government’s commitment towards inclusive development and equitable growth.
Later, addressing a massive public gathering at Dalhori (Dhangri), Surinder Choudhary thanked the people for their support and said that the Omar Abdullah-led government is dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of every region of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also addressed a public meeting at the R&B Guest House, Thanamandi, where he interacted with local residents and assured sustained focus on development works and improved public service delivery.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also paid obeisance at the revered shrine of Shadara Sharief in Rajouri and prayed for peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, reaffirming the administration’s zero-tolerance approach towards narcotics, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary also led an anti-drug campaign in Nowshera to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The Department of Social Welfare, under the supervision of the district administration Rajouri, organised a Walkathon, Signature Campaign and Anti-Drug Pledge at Sub-District Headquarters Nowshera to strengthen community participation against substance abuse.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed that eradicating drug abuse is a collective responsibility of society and highlighted the role of parents in monitoring children to prevent them from falling into harmful habits.
He called upon people to support the administration in identifying drug abuse victims so that they can receive timely treatment and rehabilitation. He also urged citizens to share information about drug traffickers to enable strict action against those involved in spreading the menace.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Nowshera, Dr. Pritam Lal Thapa, also addressed the gathering and appealed to people to cooperate with the administration in bringing drug abuse victims back into the mainstream through proper treatment and support.
Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer Rajouri highlighted the significance of the day and sensitised participants about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He also briefed them about initiatives being undertaken by the district administration for treatment and rehabilitation of affected individuals.
The Walkathon was flagged off by the Deputy Chief Minister from PWD Dak Bungalow, Nowshera, and culminated at the Tehsil Office. More than 500 participants, including students, officials, civil society members and locals, participated in the awareness drive.
