Will ensure border villages not left behind on development front: J&K LG

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that India’s true identity thrives in its border villages and expressed commitment to ensuring that the residents of these areas receive the same development, prosperity and opportunities as those living in major cities.

Addressing a gathering during his visit to Nangali village in Poonch district under the Vibrant Village Programme, Sinha said border villages are the nation’s first glimpse and serve as proud gateways to the country.

“My resolve is unwavering. Our border villages deserve the exact same development and prosperity as our biggest towns and cities. I will not rest until every family on the border enjoys the same progress and opportunities as those in urban Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

The L-G asserted that the youth of border villages should have bright futures and equal opportunities, and that the world must view India’s border villages not as the last settlements but as the beginning of a great national dream.

Sinha said every family living in Poonch’s 133 border villages should experience the same pride, prosperity and hope enjoyed by residents of larger urban centres.

He said the administration would work tirelessly to transform these villages into symbols of development and prosperity.

Highlighting his vision for the region, Sinha said he wanted the youth of Nangali to dream as ambitiously as those in metropolitan cities and women in all 133 border villages to have access to the same opportunities available elsewhere.

“I want children across Poonch’s border villages to grow up believing their village is not a place to leave, but a place to build their future,” he said, adding that all these villages, including 18 strategic villages covered under Vibrant Village Phase-II, should emerge as centres of opportunity and growth.

The LG also reviewed ongoing development works and interacted with residents and government officials during the visit.

Referring to the developmental initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sinha said significant progress had been achieved in border areas over the past six years. According to him, around 20 per cent of families in Poonch’s border villages have moved above the poverty line during this period.

He said infrastructure development has resulted in 94 per cent road connectivity, 98 per cent telecom coverage and 100 per cent healthcare coverage in these areas. He further said that family incomes have increased by 25 per cent while outmigration has declined by six per cent, adding that the administration’s objective is to achieve saturation of all welfare schemes and ensure that no household is left behind.