GANDERBAL: Aimed at strengthening community relations and address local issues, Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD), H. Rajesh Prasad, today convened a public outreach programme at Mammer under government's ambitious public outreach initiative.

The event witnessed overwhelming participation of public and other stakeholders, who raised various issues concerning the welfare and development of their respective areas.

The participants apprised the Principal Secretary of several issues and demands which inter alia included establishment of Horticulture Office at Gund, JK Bank branch at Hariganwan, 24x7 functioning of PHC Hariganwan , status of tourism village for Lal Marg, development of inner roads, special status for Kangan Sub Division, uninterrupted electricity, discrepancies in electricity billing, repair of Mammer bridge and completion of Akhal bridge, among other public concerns.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, DDC member Kangan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, SDPO Kangan, Chief Planning Officer, SE PDD, GM DIC, Assistant Labour Commissioner Ganderbal, Executive Engineers of PDD, R&B and PMGSY, Tehsildar Ganderbal and other senior officers from various line departments attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the public and the government to ensure best possible governance. He appreciated the locals for their participation in this mega public darbar and assured them that the present administration is working tirelessly towards ensuring their socio-economic empowerment.

Responding to the demand for uninterrupted electricity supply, the Principal Secretary affirmed the department's commitment to wards providing reliable and affordable electricity to the consumers of J&K. He highlighted the government's approval of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, costing Rs 10,000 crore, aimed at upgrading the Distribution Infrastructure to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. He also mentioned that installation of Prepaid Smart Metering and System Metering would ensure reliable electricity across the entire UT.

Regarding other issues, he instructed the district administration to resolve grievances at the district level wherever possible and forward other demands requiring financial inclusion to the concerned authorities after feasibility check for proper planning. He assured the public that all their genuine grievances would be addressed in a timely manner.

Interacting with the officers on the occasion, the Principal Secretary exhorted upon them to engage actively with the public extending them more accountable and responsive governance at their doorstep.

Meanwhile, the DC briefed the Principal Secretary about the status of all demands raised during the camp and mentioned that the Action Taken Report (ATR) of the previous Public Darbar had also been issued in the public domain.

Earlier, the Principal Secretary inspected stalls installed by various departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Social Welfare DIC and others at the venue, enquiring about the services being offered to the general public.