State Vision News Service Kathua, July 19 Secretary in Social Welfare Department, Rachna Sharma, today presided over a Public Grievance and Redressal Camp and took stock of demands of people here at Hiranagar. The camp witnessed overwhelming response from all sections of the society who apprised Secretary about issues being faced by them seeking intervention and redressal of the same. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary said the motive behind holding the Public Darbar was to take first hand appraisal of the public issues and to resolve hindrances and bottlenecks which are detrimental to the development. She directed concerned officers to identify pragmatic solutions to address the public s concerns and implement effective remedies. She urges people to encase self employment opportunities offered by different government departments and agencies and become self sufficient. She assured that the issues highlighted during the camp will be redressed on priority and time bound manner. Responding to issues highlighted by public, the DC Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas directed XEN PDD about the need to resolve the issues including metering of electricity connections, check on illegal connections, repair of transformers within specified timelines. The DC also informed that an International standard Astro Turf Hockey Stadium is coming up at Hiranagar for which Rs 8 crore has been sanctioned and 30 kanals of the land has been allocated which when completed will give boost to the local talent.
DDC Members from Nagri, Marheen and Hiranagar raised several demands including restoration of cutting tailoring scheme of Social Welfare Department, possession of 5 Marla land should be given to deserving people, demand of holding of special Medical certificate to Handicapped people besides demanding special schemes for widows and BPL card holders. Ex Sarpanchs of different panchayats presented concerns regarding the slow pace of JJM works, the dilapidated condition of the link road, early renovation of boundary wall of Govt. Middle School Feru Chak, monkey and drug menace and issues regarding erratic power supply. In response to the issue of damaged lanes resulting from PHE pipe installation, the XEN informed that the contractor will perform the necessary repairs and subsequent maintenance of the affected assets. Earlier DSWO Kathua informed the people about the Nirmaya scheme wherein affordable health insurance is being given to persons with disabilities. He also threw light on various welfare scheme sponsored by social welfare department.