Jammu, 24 May (H.S.): Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), PWD (R&B), Anil Kumar Singh, today visited Village Gol Pattan under the Vibrant Village Programme.

The visit aimed to assess the on-ground requirements and interact with the locals to accelerate inclusive development in the border village.

On the occasion, MLA Marh, Surinder Kumar Bhagat; Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Engineer-in-Chief, Chief Engineer, Director Finance (R&B) and other district officers of Jammu were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Kumar Singh said that the Vibrant Village Programme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to ensure comprehensive development of border villages. He stated that the scheme aims to saturate the selected villages with essential infrastructure, road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television access, electricity and livelihood generation opportunities.

The ACS emphasized that the programme seeks to reverse outmigration by creating employment avenues, promoting tourism and cultural heritage besides strengthening the basic amenities like health, education and skill development. “The goal is to transform the border villages into vibrant economic hubs while ensuring national security through strong local participation. Every plan will be made keeping the people at the center,” he added.

Anil Kumar Singh directed the district administration to prepare village-specific action plans in mission mode and ensure convergence of all schemes for maximum impact.

MLA Marh appreciated the Agriculture Department for timely providing the farm machinery including combine harvester and other critical inputs to the farmers of the area. He said such interventions are reducing the input costs and helping the farmers increase productivity.

The MLA further assured the residents that an Animal Ambulance will be provided for the area out of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to strengthen veterinary care and support livestock owners in emergencies. He reiterated his commitment to work for the holistic development of border villages.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the broader contours of the Vibrant Village Programme and assured that the plan under the scheme will be finalized in consultation with the local representatives and citizens of the area to ensure that developmental works are aligned with the actual needs and aspirations of the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar