SRINAGAR, JUNE 23: Advisor to the Governor, Khurshid Ahmed Ganai, has urged the people of the State to come forward and promote greater civic engagement and community participation for sustainable development in the State.
He lamented the diminishing of community action which, he said adversely affects the Government’s developmental plans that are aimed to bring in discernible change on the ground. “The people will have to take ownership of local developmental issues which will significantly contribute in successful implementation of Government schemes and programmes,” he asserted.
Ganai made these remarks while interacting with several deputations during his visit to Sopore town on Saturday. Some of the delegations which met him included Markazi Auqaf Committee, Watergam (Rafiabad), Mohalla Committee, Arampora (Sopore), Auqaf Islamia, Masjid Ibrahim, New Committee (Sopore), Rafiabad Awami Forum (Baramulla), All J&K (10+2) PSC Lecturers Association, J&K Fruit Growers & Dealers Association, Municipal Council Sopore and Tehsil Coordination Committee, Zaingir (Sopore).
Emphasizing upon community action and role of NGOs to raise awareness and partnership among people with government agencies, the Advisor said there is a need for a strong NGO movement in J&K state. He further stated that the institutions of local government are highly participatory in nature primarily by virtue of their close interface with local communities. “The involvement of citizenry in development processes will promote downward accountability and entrench local empowerment. This is sure to bring in greater transparency in implementation of social sector schemes like rural housing, electrification, access to drinking water, generation of mandays and local governance,” he added.
Reiterating that economic progress is no guarantee to a strong society, the Advisor said the Government’s efforts will yield little results unless people partner State institutions in laying edifice of a strong welfare society. He underlined the importance of creation of ward committees, local groups, self-help groups and NGOs that provide an active structure for citizens’ participation.
During the meeting, the delegations raised several demands related to construction of hospitals and schools in Watergam, creation of SDM office in Rafiabad, construction of bridge at Mazbugh, benefit of assured career progression for 10+2 Lecturers, development of truck terminal yard and CA store in Fruit Mandi Sopore, resumption of cross-LoC trade, regular water supply in Sopore town, setting up of a horticulture university in Wadoora, waiver of KCC loan due to unexpected hailstorm, maternity and child hospital at Sopore, detachment of villages Rampur, Rajpur and Watlab up to Warpora from tehsil Dangerpora and inclusion in Tehsil Sopore, opening of new Degree College at Zaingir, improvement in Zaingir Canal and cable car from Watlab to Ziyarat Baba Shukr-ud-din.
The Advisor assured the delegation that he will have all the demands looked into on priority.
