RAJOURI, APRIL 27: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting of District Level Committee and Village Nodal Officers to review and approve the Village Action Plans under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
The Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed plans and emphasized the need for inclusion of high-impact and need-based works for holistic development of the border villages.
He laid special focus on strengthening basic infrastructure and according priority to development of playgrounds, construction of toilets in schools, establishment of smart classrooms and provision of drinking water facilities, installation of transformers and poles, high mast and solar lights and improvement of road connectivity to tourist destinations. He further stressed on development of essential amenities like signages and parking facilities, besides exploring the feasibility of establishing sports stadiums in the identified villages.
Highlighting the tourism potential of the border areas, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized inclusion of projects like Vibrant Village Tourist Reception Centres and Tribal Theme Parks/Adventure Parks in the action plans to promote eco and border tourism.
Seeking focus on livelihood generation, particularly in villages located near the Line of Control, he directed the stakeholder departments to incorporate sustainable income-generating activities based on local needs and resources. He stressed on branding, processing and marketing of milk-based products such as kaladi, barfi, khoya and milk cake. He also called for the establishment of meat processing units and strengthening of cooperative societies to enhance the local economy.
The Deputy Commissioner further emphasized saturation of all social security schemes in these villages to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out. He directed the district and sectoral officers to undertake regular field visits to the Vibrant Villages for effective monitoring and timely implementation of the approved plans.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq; ADC Sunderbani Ramkesh Sharma; ADC Nowshera Pritam Lal Thapa; PO ICDS Harpal Singh; CPO Maqsood Ahmed; ACD Auqil Naveed; AD Tourism Mumtaz Ahmed; BDO Nowshera Gokul Kumar; BDO Seri Hemant Vaid; SE JPDCL, Principal ITI Ujwal and other district and sectoral officers attended the meeting.